We're thrilled to introduce the Pela x Ollie Smither Artist Series – a collection of nature-inspired phone cases featuring the intricate fine line artwork of Devon-based illustrator Ollie Smither (@Osillustration). Each design brings the quiet beauty of the outdoors into your everyday carry, hand-drawn with the same care and attention that defines Ollie's celebrated illustration work.
From mountain landscapes to coastal scenes, these cases capture the essence of nature through clean lines, thoughtful composition, and a deep connection to place. And like all Pela cases, they're made with plants, not plastic – compostable protection that honours the landscapes that inspire them.
Meet Ollie Smither:
Introduce yourself & tell us a little about your art
Hi, I'm Ollie Smither, an illustrator and fine line artist working under @Osillustration. I'm based in Devon, UK, and I've been drawing for as long as I can remember, but illustration became a bigger part of my life around 2020.
What started as quiet sketches for myself slowly grew into a full-time creative practice, spanning illustration, tattoo design, and collaborations. My work is rooted in simple lines, thoughtful details, and a strong connection to place.
Walk us through your creative process – what inspires you?
My process usually starts away from the desk. A walk, a surf, time spent travelling in my van, or just sitting somewhere quiet often sparks the first idea.
I sketch a lot by hand, capturing feelings or moments rather than trying to overthink the outcome. From there, I refine things slowly, keeping the lines clean and the composition calm.
Nature, movement, and the small details you notice when you slow down are my biggest sources of inspiration.
What message or feeling do you hope your artwork conveys?
I hope my work feels honest and grounding. Inspiring people to love nature and the outdoors.
I want it to evoke a sense of calm, connection, or familiarity – like a reminder of a place you've been or a feeling you recognise. Nothing too loud or forced, just something that sits gently with the viewer and means something personal to them.
What's your favourite design from the collection and why?
My favourite design from the collection is Moonwash. Inspired by the mountains and outdoors, it reflects the themes I come back to again and again: simplicity, balance, and storytelling through line.
It feels like a piece that could have been drawn anywhere – on the road or at home – which makes it especially meaningful to me.
What's the most exciting part about this collaboration for you?
The most exciting part is seeing my work live beyond the page or screen. Collaborations like this allow my illustrations to reach new people and take on new meaning, while still staying true to how and why I make my work in the first place.
I love these phone cases.
Shop the Pela x Ollie Smither Artist Series
Discover the full collection of nature-inspired phone cases, hand-drawn by one of the UK's most celebrated fine line artists.
Made with plants. Designed with care. Inspired by nature.
Follow Ollie's Journey
Want to see more of Ollie's work? Follow him on Instagram @Osillustration for behind-the-scenes sketches, creative process insights, and new illustrations inspired by life on the road and by the sea.
