Surface Pattern Designer, Illustrator, and Lover of the Sea
Shelly Craig is a Surface Pattern Designer and Illustrator based in Bonaire, a pristine tropical island in the Netherlands Caribbean. Inspired by the turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and laid-back island rhythm, her work captures the beauty and joy of coastal living.
Shelly’s journey into surface design began while training to become a PADI-certified scuba instructor. After months in the ocean, she discovered a lack of stylish, functional dive wear—and from that need, her passion for pattern design and athleisure-wear was born.
Today, Shelly works freelance, creating vibrant art prints, hand-lettered greeting cards, and surface pattern collections that reflect the colors, movement, and magic of the Caribbean Sea. Her work blends traditional watercolor and ink illustration with digital finesse, offering a fresh, expressive style perfect for lifestyle brands, home décor, fabric, and stationery.
She welcomes opportunities for collaboration and licensing, with curated collections available for review.
When not in her marina-side studio, you’ll find Shelly diving, boating, paddleboarding, or enjoying sunset walks with her husband, Richard, and their dog MacK—glass of wine in hand.
