Introducing the Pela x Amanda Oleander Artist Series: Art That Captures the Quiet Moments of Everyday Life
We're so excited to introduce the Pela x Amanda Oleander Artist Series — a collection of phone cases featuring the warm, emotionally resonant artwork of California-based artist and illustrator Amanda Oleander. Known for capturing the quiet, intimate moments that make up everyday life, Amanda's work brings a rare kind of tenderness to your everyday carry — the kind that makes you stop, feel something, and smile.
From the in-between moments of connection to the grounding beauty of nature, these cases carry more than just your phone. And like all Pela cases, they're made with plants, not plastic — compostable protection that feels as thoughtful as the art it holds.
Meet Amanda Oleander: Introduce yourself & tell us a little about your art
Hi! My name is Amanda Oleander. I live in California with my husband and son, and we're soon moving to the Midwest. I've been creating art for as long as I can remember and have been a full-time professional artist for over a decade. I've always been drawn to capturing human connection and the quiet, intimate moments that make up everyday life. My work spans drawing, painting, and other creative mediums, all rooted in storytelling and emotion.
Walk us through your creative process — what inspires you?
My creative process usually begins with observation — a moment, conversation, or memory that feels emotionally honest and raw. Sometimes ideas come to me in dreams or in that in-between state of being awake and asleep. I'm inspired by relationships, family, love, and the small, often unnoticed in-between moments of life. I'll sketch scenes quickly from memory or reference, then refine them into compositions that feel true to the emotion — though more often than not, they shift slightly from the exact moment, becoming more like a memory than a literal depiction.
What message or feeling do you hope your artwork conveys?
I hope my work makes people feel connected. At its core, it reminds us that we all experience similar emotions — love, longing, connection, joy, uncertainty — and that beauty exists in those shared human experiences. I often incorporate nature because it's where I go to recalibrate, quiet the outside noise, and find clarity. I also hope my work invites people to play, to reconnect with their inner child, and to appreciate moments of nature, solitude, whimsy, and connection.
What's your favourite design from the collection and why?
It depends on the season I'm in! I gravitate toward the Summer Day case during warmer months and the Nature Path one when I want a visual reminder to step outside and ground myself.
What's the most exciting part about this collaboration for you?
The most exciting part of this collaboration is seeing my artwork translated into an everyday object that people carry with them. I love the idea of art becoming part of someone's daily life in such a personal and functional way. I'm especially drawn to the fact that these pieces are also made with intention toward the environment — creating something beautiful that isn't adding to waste at the end of its life, but instead supports a more mindful, nature-conscious approach. It feels meaningful to know the work can live beyond aesthetics and exist in a way that's more considerate of the world around us.
Shop the Pela x Amanda Oleander Artist Series
Discover the full collection of cases inspired by the quiet, beautiful moments of everyday life — painted with warmth, honesty, and care.
Made with plants. Designed with heart. Inspired by life.
Follow Amanda's Journey
Want to see more of Amanda's work? Follow her on Instagram @amandaoleander for new illustrations, behind-the-scenes moments, and a peek into the everyday life that inspires it all.
