Ceci Bowman combines wit and whimsy in her fine art and illustrations. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a Fine Art degree, Ceci is a versatile artist who has illustrated children’s books, designed children’s fabrics, and crafted unique designs for nonprofits, businesses, and publications throughout California. Her fanciful illustrations are printed on wrapping paper and greeting cards sold in boutiques nationwide.

Her distinctive look blends a lifelong love of hand-drawn and paper-cut images with computer-generated designs and patterns. “Growing up I always loved to draw, and cut out paper dolls. As a teenager I would often come up with my best drawings and ideas when I was supposed to be paying attention to something else. I still find myself drawing in the margins of my notebooks.” Ceci’s designs still reflect the spontaneity of her teenage doodles. “My goal is that the final digital file I deliver to a client has the spur-of-the-moment quality of my original sketch. I love using the computer to expand my drawings and paper cuts into colorful illustrations and patterns that can be used on a wide range of products.”

Ceci has recently created a line of custom-painted ceramics and paper goods in her signature style. "I love the idea of making art we can use every day,” she says. "I think a butter dish and a pot holder should be as beautiful as the art hung in my living room. I look at them more often." Ceci lives in Berkeley, California with her husband, her three sons and a large collection of paper dolls—all of whom figure in her inspiration.