Hello my name is

Helllo my name is Natasha Olson
I’ve always loved people-watching, and there’s a reason why candid photographs are often the most flattering—they offer the most honest depiction of ourselves. My work is rooted in these moments: instances of people simply being.

Editorial illustrations have long been a source of inspiration for me. A childhood gift—a Norman Rockwell calendar—sparked a fascination that led me to other greats like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Robert McGinnis. What captivated me was their uncanny ability to distill honesty into simplicity. This emotional truth is what I strive to capture in my own work.

My work is about processing fleeting moments and I’ve always instinctually translated this onto paper. My moms would say that when paper ran low, I would draw on anything I could find—paper plates, brown lunch bags, and even envelopes. These days, I use a tablet, but the process remains the same. I let the emotions I feel guide the imagery I create, often starting with a simple impression and building it into something more dynamic.

I want my work to be visually striking, with strong compositions and deliberate use of negative space. My style is semi-realistic, with a focus on creating tension and energy within the piece. I aim to keep things minimal, but to leave enough room for the viewer to experience the work in their own way. 

Ultimately, my goal is simple: to share my candid memories, capture honesty, and hope that it resonates with others.