Hi, I'm Manuela
Nature-inspired watercolor art for products, patterns & meaningful collaborations.
Discover original watercolor illustrations, surface pattern design, licensing, commissions, and wholesale opportunities.
Hi, I’m Manuela the founder of ella-artwork, watercolor artist and surface pattern designer based at the foot of Mount Pilatus in Switzerland.
Nature is where my creative process begins. Flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, and animals inspire my work, which I translate into delicate watercolor illustrations and thoughtfully designed patterns. Time spent outdoors, quiet observation, and an intentional, mindful way of living shape both my art and the way I work.
With every brushstroke, I aim to capture a sense of calm, warmth, and natural beauty.
What I'm doing
-
Watercolor Illustration
Original, hand-painted watercolor artwork with a gentle, detailed, and expressive style. Ideal for branding, packaging, editorial projects, and creative collaborations. -
Surface Pattern Design
Seamless, print-ready patterns for textiles, stationery, home decor, and lifestyle products. Designed to work beautifully across fabric, paper, and digital applications. -
Shop
A curated selection of illustrated products including greeting cards, art prints, calendars, notebooks, children’s puzzles, beach towels, pouches, laptop sleeves, and phone cases. All featuring my original watercolor artwork. -
Licensing, Commissions & Wholesale
Available for artwork licensing, custom illustration projects, and wholesale partnerships. I work with brands, designers, and retailers who value thoughtful, nature-inspired design.
The Story
Painting has been a constant presence throughout my life. A quiet thread that shapes how I see the world and connect with it.
As a child, I spent hours drawing and painting whatever sparked my curiosity. That early sense of wonder still guides my creative process today. I trained as a graphic designer and continue to grow through ongoing education, combining artistic intuition with a strong design foundation.
Alongside my artistic practice, I work in social work within integration and children & youth services, where drawing becomes a quiet language. Helping ideas take shape and understanding grow beyond words.
My first professional training was as a drugstore specialist (Drogistin), where I discovered the world of plants, herbs, and natural remedies. This early experience sparked a deep fascination with botanical knowledge and laid the foundation for my lasting passion for plants and healing herbs.
Today, my artwork is used worldwide for surface pattern design, product illustration, editorial content, and fine art prints. I collaborate with brands and creatives through licensing, commissions, and wholesale partnerships. Always with the aim of creating thoughtful, meaningful, and nature-rooted work.