We’re so excited to share our latest Pela Artist Series collaboration with Whitney Nettles, a graphic designer and illustrator based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Whitney’s work blends folk art influences, hand lettering, and nostalgic textures into playful, modern designs that instantly brighten your day.
For this collection, Whitney created pieces that celebrate joy, luck, and everyday beauty—reminding us that art can feel both timeless and personal. We caught up with her to talk about her creative journey, what inspires her, and how sustainability fits into her work.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as an artist.
“I’m Whitney Nettles, a graphic designer and illustrator from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I’ve loved art since I was a kid, so pursuing design in college felt like the natural next step. I graduated about 10 years ago and have been in the field ever since—going full-time freelance eight years ago. These days, most of my design work involves illustration and hand lettering, and I feel so fortunate to be doing what I love for a living.”
What’s your favorite design from the collection?
“My favorite would have to be the Good Luck Lace design. I’ve been experimenting with this lace and crochet-inspired style, which has a nostalgic, folk art feel that I really love. Plus, the red and green color combo feels very personal to me. My friends and family always joke about my knack for spotting four-leaf clovers, so it all ties together.”
What do you hope people feel when they see your artwork?
“Mostly, I just want people to enjoy it. If my art can lighten someone’s mood or make them smile for even a moment, I consider it a win. I get so much joy out of creating, and it’s fulfilling when others can feel that same delight through my work.”
Walk us through your creative process.
“I like to think of my whole life as the creative process. I’m constantly gathering inspiration—from rocks on the beach to antique store treasures. My work is often vintage-inspired, pulling in folk and western elements.
For this project, I started with about 15–20 rough sketches to get as many ideas out as possible, then narrowed them down to 4–5 strong concepts. I refined them in Procreate, explored color palettes, and then finalized everything in Photoshop and Illustrator. It’s a mix of free exploration and fine-tuning.”
How do you see art contributing to sustainability?
“Art is powerful—it can influence, inspire, and say what words can’t. Sustainability is always top of mind for me. A few years ago, I started upcycling vintage clothing and leather goods—painting on bags, wallets, and garments to give them new life. It’s small scale, but it feels meaningful to know I’m creating something exciting without adding to overproduction.”
What excites you most about this collaboration with Pela?
“I felt so honored when Pela reached out. As an independent artist, I don’t usually have the capacity to create items like this. This collaboration gave me the opportunity to bring my art to life in a new way, and the thought that people will carry a little piece of my art with them every day in their pockets—it’s such a privilege. It never gets old, and I feel really lucky.”
Shop the Collection
Whitney’s collection brings together the warmth of folk art, the charm of nostalgia, and the joy of everyday beauty. Each case is a reminder to slow down, notice the little things, and carry art with you wherever you go.
