Hi, I'm Manuela
I'm the watercolor artist and surface pattern designer behind ella-artwork. I'm based in Lucerne, Switzerland.
I paint everything by hand in traditional watercolor on paper, then digitise my artwork in Photoshop and turn it into illustrations and seamless repeat patterns. My work ranges from botanical florals and coastal motifs to playful everyday subjects.
How I work
Every design starts on paper. I paint with watercolor, scan the artwork at high resolution, and build patterns digitally while keeping the texture and softness of the original painting. Nothing is generated — every element is painted by hand first.
Based in Switzerland. Available worldwide for licensing and commissions.
What I do
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Surface pattern design — seamless repeat patterns for fabric, wallpaper, gift wrap and stationery, available for licensing.
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Custom commissions — original hand-painted illustrations for brands, packaging, publishers and personal projects.
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Shop products — notebooks, pouches, phone cases, greeting cards and seasonal pieces featuring my own designs.
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Wholesale — curated collections for boutiques, concept stores and retailers in Switzerland and beyond.
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.