We're so excited to introduce the Pela x People I've Loved Before Artist Series — a collection of phone cases featuring the tender, deeply human artwork of Oakland-based artist and storyteller Carissa Potter. Known for her honest, emotionally resonant work across illustration, writing, and conversation, Carissa's art asks the question we all need someone to ask: what would you long to hear right now?
From a body floating in a field of flowers to the quiet permission to just rest, these cases carry more than just your phone. They carry a reminder that you're not alone in whatever you're feeling — and like all Pela cases, they're made with plants, not plastic — compostable protection with something real to say.
Meet Carissa Potter: Introduce yourself & tell us a little about your art
My name is Carissa Potter and I am a human longing for connection. I tell stories through various mediums, using words and images and conversations. Once in 2005, I got a life size piece of paper out and brainstormed with my crush all the ways our relationship was a bad idea and how it could work out. We never dated, and I don't know what I was thinking, but I am sure it was like a drug to have this conversation and record of it. I live in Oakland California with my partner and kiddo and dad. Nowadays, I draw a lot of cats 'cuz my kid likes cats, just started my 7th book, and host a podcast because I like talking to people.
Walk us through your creative process — what inspires you?
A lot of my work is about noticing what I'm anxious about or what I'm thinking. I think about what I would long to hear in that moment. I draw it out and hope someone else can relate. Inspiration for me is both showing up on a schedule and also catching it on the fly. I also practice it — meaning I lean into what's going on around me, what people are talking about, how attitudes are shifting.
I think there's also a bigger subconscious mind underneath our ability to be conscious of the details. Part of me longs to feel special and unique, but years of sharing this work has taught me I'm human — and if I'm feeling something, someone else probably is too.
What message or feeling do you hope your artwork conveys?
Just that they can relate. Maybe it's something someone is longing to hear. To feel comfort. Permission to be what they're longing to be. Relief that even though it's a hard world, they're not alone. We tend to beat ourselves up, be our most critical voice — and sometimes, when you just throw it all out there, we really are not that bad.
What's your favourite design from the collection and why?
I think I love Rest is Part of the Process most. I love how the body is floating in a field of flowers. She's taking a break from it all. She has boundaries and knows how to enjoy life, but also shows up for people when she can. I often don't know how to relax and rest when there's so much I both need and want to do.
What's the most exciting part about this collaboration for you?
Phones are weirdly an extension of self in a way I don't fully understand. It's a comfort object for me. What would you need to hear to feel less alone? Sometimes it's that it's okay to nap, to rest, to feel the overwhelming weight of the world. It's such an honor to be able to describe these human emotions and in some ways hold the hands of humans I'll never meet.
Shop the Pela x People I've Loved Before Artist Series
Discover the full collection of cases inspired by the things we all need to hear — and the reminder that you're not as alone as you think.
Made with plants. Designed with heart. For the humans who need it.
Follow Carissa's Journey
Want to see more of Carissa's work? Follow her on Instagram @peopleivelovedstore and tune into her podcast for honest conversations, new illustrations, and the kind of words you didn't know you needed to hear today.
