Artist Spotlight: Meet Illustrator Pyper Brown
Today, we’re sitting down with Pyper Brown, a California‑based graphic designer and illustrator whose art is as bright and playful as the sunshine she lives under. Known for her whimsical characters, imaginative landscapes, and bold, colorful designs, Pyper blends traditional and digital techniques to create pieces that practically burst with personality. From her charming Etsy shop full of prints, stickers, and custom tattoos to her Patreon, where fans can become penpals and peek behind the curtain of her creative process, Pyper invites us all into her vibrant world — and trust us, it’s a world you’ll want to stay in for a while.
When did you first start creating?
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember! When I was around 6 or 7 years old, I remember waking up in the wee hours of the night to doodle on my Little Tikes art desk (quietly, of course. I didn’t want my parents to know I was still awake). From that moment, I knew that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up!
What made you decide on illustration?
I have always loved using art to tell a story—illustration was the perfect way to do it!
How did you discover your talent?
I discovered my love for illustration at a very young age and I think it was that love that pushed me to keep practicing. And oh boy, it was a lot of practice! Even today, I feel like I am still learning new techniques!
How do you get inspired?
I get a lot of my inspiration randomly—it will just pop up in my head when I’m walking my dog, taking a shower, anything! I just keep a list of these ideas in my phone and then I can revisit the ideas later when I have time to draw! I also get inspired by watching studio vlogs on YouTube, scrolling through social media, watching movies, and listening to music!
What are your favorite items?
I absolutely love the bookmarks I created! It was an entirely new project for me and I’m so happy with how they turned out. Sometimes I will just sit in the sun with one of the bookmarks and watch the stars sparkle on the paper!
What environment do you like to work in?
Lately I’ve been doing my illustrations in my living room under a super fluffy blanket! I get all curled up, put on a t.v. show, and start doodling!
Why do you think people should continue to make things by hand?
There’s a sort of magic that comes out when you make things with your hands—it’s almost like you leave a little piece of yourself in each thing you create! For me, I get a warm fuzzy feeling whenever I am packing an order or writing a penpal letter—I like to think that I’m sending those good vibes to the other person when they open their goodies :)
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Artistically, my biggest influences are Tiffany Tan (@apple.cheeks)—she was a massive influence to me when I was planning on launching my shop. I was also inspired by Greg Gunn—I took an illustration course with him and I learned so much about composition, color, and shadows! Personally, my biggest influence is my husband—he is my biggest supporter and cheerleader.
Are you a full-time artist or part-time?
I am a full-time artist! During the day, I work as an in-house graphic designer. At night, I work on my Etsy shop, Patreon, and illustrations!
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a tattoo commission and new stickers! I’m so excited about these new stickers—they are extra goofy and I love it!
What emotions or messages do you aim to convey through your work?
I would love for people to feel joy when they see my work. I was so happy while making these pieces and I would love for others to feel that happiness, too!
Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished piece?
Once I get an idea for a new illustration, I immediately add it to my notes on my phone! As soon as I have time to draw, I get my fluffy blanket, I get a fun drink (Dr.Pepper with pickle juice is FANTASTIC), and I turn on a t.v.show. Once I’m all comfy, I start collecting reference photos! Then I start creating rough sketches—sometimes I do this digitally and sometimes I just use a pen & paper. Once I have a sketch that I like, I start to finalize the linework & add shadows to the illustration. Then it is time to add color & texture—lately I’ve been adding a rough pencil-like texture to my illustrations and I love it so much! And then voila—the illustration is finished! :)
Do you have any creative rituals or habits to help you get in the zone?
Yes!! On days where I plan to sit down and draw for long periods of time, I like to go out and get myself a special coffee! For some reason, having a special coffee gets my creative juices flowing and it gets me really pumped to draw! My current go-to coffee is an iced brown sugar espresso with oat milk, white chocolate mocha sauce, and caramel drizzle.
How has your style evolved over time?
I have had a massive shift in my style over the last 10 years. My style used to be very dark and colorless. Today, I use bright, bold colors and the subject matter is much happier. I like to think that my style changed along with me as I grew into adulthood—as I’ve grown older, my views on life have grown to be very positive & optimistic, I like to think that my art style has become more joyful, too :)
What are your plans for the near future?
I would love to expand my shop in the near future and maybe even table a few vendor events!
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
The best advice I was given was to always be yourself. This advice became so important for me once I graduated from college and landed my first professional job—I thought I would need to change who I was at my core now that I was officially an adult. And to be honest, it made me so sad. It just wasn’t me! As the years went on, I fully embraced the advice to just be myself and it has made me so much happier.
What has been the biggest challenge in your artistic journey?
Mental health struggles have definitely been the biggest challenge in my artistic journey. I was diagnosed with OCD at 9 years old, and there have been times when my art had to take a backseat during rough OCD waves. The most recent wave kept me away from my art for three years—I was terrified of creating and sharing it online, so I completely stopped. But over the past few years, I’ve learned to better manage my OCD and started taking medication, which has helped me tremendously. Now I have more mental space to create, and I am so much happier! Don’t get me wrong, I still have tough days, but I’ve been much better at navigating them. And after conquering a rough patch, I feel very excited to jump back into my art again :)
Have you ever experienced creative burnout?
YES YES YES. Whenever I am feeling creative burnout, my number one thing to do is rest. And rest A LOT. Take naps, sleep in, and just be comfy. After I feel rested, then I start to take baby steps back into the world—I might take a few nature walks, I might wander around the library, anything! Patience is key when it comes to creative burnout—the inspiration and passion will come back in time, you just need to take care of yourself first :)
What is one thing you wish people understood about illustration?
Illustration is everywhere—from the apps we use to the books we read, the products we buy to the advertisements we see, illustration is a vital part of our daily lives :)
What advice would you give to someone just starting in the field?
Practice, practice, practice! And have fun, that’s the most important part :)
How has social media impacted your work?
Social media has been life-changing for me & my work—it was how I was able to get my work out in the public! And I have met so many fantastic people through social media—the art community is absolutely beautiful and I am so grateful to be a part of it :)
What is the most rewarding part of running your own business?
I absolutely love the personal connections I’ve made with others through running a business—having their love, support, and guidance has been incredible and I can’t thank them enough :)
What is a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I used to be a college tennis player! I coached tennis for a few years, too! :)
If you could have dinner with any artist, who would it be and why?
I would loooove to have dinner with graphic designer, Aaron Draplin. He is one of my favorite designers in the world and he seems like such a chill, down-to-earth dude.
What is a dream project you’d love to create someday?
I used to write a lot of poetry when I was in college and I would absolutely love to add illustrations to the poems and have it published one day!
Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
Kristen Wiig FOR SURE
What are you doing when you’re not creating?
I’m a MASSIVE farmer’s market fan—you can find me raiding the food stands at whatever market happens to be in town!
Describe your work in three words?
Quirky, colorful, fun
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Chatting with Pyper felt like stepping into one of her illustrations — quirky, colorful, and full of joy. Her passion for creating (and for spreading that joy through her art) is contagious, and it’s clear she pours a little piece of herself into every bookmark, sticker, and letter she sends out. If you’re ready to add some whimsy and color to your own world, you’re definitely going to want to check out all the places where Pyper shares her magic.
Links:
Etsy: https://pyperbrodraws.
etsy.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.
com/pyperbrodraws Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/pyperbrodraws Youtube: https://youtube.com/@
pyperbrodraws
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