Shelly Craig is a surface pattern designer and illustrator based in Bonaire in the Netherlands Caribbean, where daily life is shaped by turquoise waters, vibrant marine ecosystems, and a relaxed coastal rhythm. Her work reflects a refined yet joyful interpretation of island living—created with licensing, scale, and storytelling in mind.

A lifelong artist, Shelly’s creative path first unfolded alongside a professional career in healthcare, where she developed a strong foundation in discipline, organization, and follow-through. That professionalism later expanded into entrepreneurship when she owned and operated an upscale retail gift boutique, attending major wholesale markets including Atlanta, Dallas, and Kansas City. This experience gave her a deep understanding of what succeeds at retail—and why thoughtfully designed, manufacturer-ready artwork matters.

After relocating to Bonaire, Shelly became a PADI-certified scuba instructor, spending countless hours underwater and developing a deep connection to the sea and reef conservation. A practical need for stylish, functional dive wear led her to design her own rashguards—an experience that organically introduced her to surface pattern design and ultimately shaped her focus as a commercial artist.

Today, Shelly creates cohesive, production-ready collections that blend traditional watercolor and ink illustration with modern digital workflows. Her work is especially well suited for home décor, wall art, tabletop, stationery, fabric, and lifestyle products, and she thrives when designing to clear creative briefs.

Shelly’s artwork is currently licensed with P&B Textiles, with her debut fabric collection scheduled for release in 2026. She is also licensed with Stupell Industries, whose products are distributed through major online retailers and big-box stores. Additional licensed partnerships include mission-driven organizations focused on environmental conservation. Her work has also been selected for inclusion in a 2026 industry trend report curated for art directors and manufacturers.

Working from her marina-side studio, Shelly brings a professional, organized, and collaborative approach to every project. She is a finisher by nature and is committed to building long-term creative partnerships rooted in trust, clarity, and consistency.

When she’s not in the studio, Shelly can be found diving, boating, paddleboarding, or enjoying sunset walks along the water with her husband, Richard, and their dogs MacK and Molly—continually inspired by the island landscape that shapes her work.