About - Cecilie Okada Design

I help you explore creativity through watercolor, sketching, and nature’s own brushstrokes.

I’m Cecilie Okada, a Norwegian illustrator and graphic designer. I’m also a keen meditator. It’s my source of creative inspiration.

In this blog, I’m taking you along. Nature’s sublime shapes & colors guide each step in my art tutorials.

Moving from Norway to Japan has opened up a whole new world of creative exploration. I hope that the play with color and form in my tutorials will open up new doors for you too.

Thank you for visiting!

My story

I’m a global nomad who has lived in many countries and crisscrossed the globe. I have also lived in New Zealand, Haiti, Jamaica, and Mexico

When I was young, I wanted to change the world and became a yogic nun. Back then, I founded a children’s home and pre-schools in slums and remote villages.

Later on, I started a family and completed a design degree. Ever since it’s been a life filled with creative work and a continued spiritual journey.

Professional background

I have been a creative professional since 1998. My work includes illustration, pattern design, and graphic design.

In Norway, my design company Okada Design AS specialized in illustration, web- and graphic design. Previously, I worked as an in-house graphic designer.

Some highlights:

  • Patterns and decorative designs licensed to nationwide department stores and brands in Japan with Cecilie O. branding
  • Illustrating 28 books, art calendars and wisdom cards for publishers in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, and New Zealand
  • Exhibiting at the Design Museum of Barcelona (DHUB) in Spain
  • Graphic design for companies big and small and everything in-between

“…brilliant illustrations”.
– Louise Hay, international bestselling author

“Cecilie has created a number of successful projects, and shows a highly professional understanding. I can thoroughly recommend her.”
– Nina Norman Ferguson, Managing Editor, Cappelen Damm Publishers (Norway)

“Just looking at her wonderful illustrations makes my heart sing”.
– Denise Linn, international bestselling author

“We are really satisfied. I would absolutely recommend Cecilie Okada”
– Trine Varøystrand, Head Designer, Høie of Scandinavia (Norway)

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