Oliver Li — Textural Collage Illustrator, UK

“Composition for me is about flow and balance, creating a visual rhythm that feels intuitive,” says Plymouth, UK-based illustrator Oliver Li. And with his canny combinations of textures, forms and colours, here is an artist who orchestrates rich, visual symphonies that celebrate all aspects of life with a playful demeanour.

There is a distinctive handmade aesthetic evident in Oliver’s work – it catches the eye and separates him from the pack. It’s an individual and thoughtful look, reliably delivered with clear communication by an illustrator who is always open to ideas and collaboration with his clients. They span from global organisations to boutique brands. Originally from Shanghai, Oliver has a BA in Illustration and an MA in Experience Design from the University of Plymouth. His inspirations include festive occasions, moments of joy, diverse cultures, food, the changing seasons and the wonders of the natural world.

Approach

An illustration project begins with the gathering of visual references and lots of sketching. Oliver creates handmade, organic shapes to form the basis of his imagery, using warm, vibrant palettes. Applying digital techniques, he brings together balanced compositions employing hand-drawn textures, cut-out shapes and simple mark making.

Key software

Procreate, Adobe Photoshop.

Style

From scenes set in fantastical worlds that drive a narrative, to conceptual pieces that collage an array of graphical symbols to convey ideas, Oliver’s artwork is eclectic and colourful, with a clever layering of textures giving it emotional depth, with a human touch.