OLLIE SMITHER
AN ARTIST SHAPED BY ADVENTURE
In today’s digital age, Instagram has evolved beyond a simple social media platform; it has become a virtual gallery where artists can freely showcase their talents to a global audience. Among the rising stars of this creative space is Ollie Smither, an artist whose work captivates viewers with its unique blend of imagination, technical skill, and authenticity.
Known for sharing his creations on Instagram, Ollie has built a dedicated following eager to see each new piece he unveils. Whether it’s a highly detailed illustration, a thought-provoking sketch, or an experimental digital work, his art consistently pushes boundaries and sparks conversation.
From a young age, Ollie had a passion for drawing and storytelling. His love for the outdoors played a crucial role in shaping his artistic journey, as his early sketches were inspired by nature. He later realized that he could merge his creativity with his passion for adventure by illustrating the places he visited or crafting sketches that deeply resonated with people.
Tattoo art became a natural extension of this journey—a way for his work to remain with individuals in a truly personal and powerful way. For Ollie, adventure is at the heart of everything he does. He spends nearly half the year traveling in his van, surfing, hiking, and camping—experiences that directly fuel his creativity.
Constantly sketching on the go, he captures moments, landscapes, and emotions that leave a lasting impression. When he begins a new piece, it feels like piecing together fragments of his travels to create something that tells a story or evokes a sense of wonder.
Each artistic medium he works with has its own unique appeal. Illustration, for him, is about storytelling—bringing landscapes, ideas, and narratives to life. Tattoo design, on the other hand, is deeply personal; it’s about creating something meaningful that someone will carry with them forever.
Branding is an exciting challenge as it is collaborative and serves a larger purpose—helping individuals or businesses define and express their identity. While Ollie enjoys working across different disciplines, illustration remains his favourite, as it allows him the greatest freedom to express himself.
Ollie’s process begins with a conversation when working on commissioned pieces. Understanding a client’s story and vision is key to creating a piece that truly reflects them. He starts by sketching a few rough concepts, gathering feedback, and refining the design until it aligns with the client’s expectations.
Whether it’s an illustration, a tattoo design, or a branding project, he ensures that the entire process remains open and collaborative. The final stage is polishing the artwork to deliver something that feels true to both the client’s vision and his artistic integrity.
Based in South Devon, Ollie finds endless inspiration in the stunning landscapes that surround him. From rugged coastlines to rolling moors, the natural beauty of the region deeply influences his perspective and artistic approach. Balancing months of travel with time at home in Devon allows him the space to reflect and create with renewed energy.
While he favors traditional tools like ink and pen for their simplicity and precision, Ollie also embraces digital mediums such as Procreate, which enables him to bring his designs to life in new and dynamic ways. Over time, he has learned to seamlessly blend traditional and digital techniques, refining his style through continuous experimentation.
For those considering branding or tattoo services, Ollie emphasises the importance of taking the time to reflect on personal values, stories, and the message they wish to convey. The most timeless designs are those with deep personal meaning. He encourages his clients to collaborate throughout the creative process, ensuring the final piece feels uniquely their own.
One of his most challenging projects to date was designing a complete branding package for a start-up surf camp. The scale of the project, with its many moving parts, required him to refine his organizational skills and manage his time efficiently while maintaining creativity. He also gained a deeper appreciation for clear communication, which ultimately made the collaboration smoother and more rewarding.
Looking ahead, Ollie hopes to continue combining his love for art and travel while working on large-scale projects such as murals and illustrated travel books. He is also eager to further explore tattoo artistry and experiment with other hands-on mediums like ceramics. His ultimate goal is to keep growing, discovering, and inspiring others through his work and adventures.
