Lisa Congdon
Lisa Congdon (born January 17, 1968) is an American illustrator, fine artist, and author, best known for her colorful, graphic style and hand lettering work. She has created art for clients such as The Museum of Modern Art, Harvard University, Martha Stewart Living, and Crate & Barrel. Her work spans commercial illustration, painting, surface design, and editorial commissions.
Lisa Congdon 
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| Born | 17 january 1968 |
| Birthplace | Albany, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Illustrator, fine artist, author |
| Known for | Artist |
| Website | https://lisacongdon.com |
Early life and education
Lisa Congdon was born in Albany, New York, and grew up in both upstate New York and Northern California. She attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she earned a degree in history. Congdon did not pursue art professionally until her thirties, making her a notable example of a self-taught artist who transitioned into illustration later in life.
Career
Congdon began her career as a professional artist in the early 2000s, initially focusing on painting before moving into illustration and surface design. She gained widespread attention through her popular blog and participation in creative challenges, such as her "A Collection a Day" project. As an illustrator, she has worked on books, home decor, stationery, textiles, and editorial pieces.
Her vibrant, patterned, and often text-based artworks have made her a sought-after figure in the illustration world. She has written and illustrated several books on creativity, design, and the artistic process, including Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist and Find Your Artistic Voice.
Books
- A Collection a Day (2011)
- Art Inc: The Essential Guide to Building Your Career as an Artist (2014)
- Fortune Favors the Brave (2015)
- Find Your Artistic Voice (2019)
- You Will Leave a Trail of Stars (2021)
Style and themes
As an illustrator, Congdon is known for bold color palettes, geometric patterns, and positive, inspirational messages. Her work often includes hand lettering and motifs drawn from nature, folk art, and mid-century design.
Lisa Congdon Illustrator
Lisa Congdon has become recognized internationally as a leading figure in the field of contemporary illustration. As an illustrator, her ability to merge artistic creativity with commercial application has led to collaborations with prominent companies and institutions. The phrase "lisa congdon illustrator" has become synonymous with her signature style, which blends modern aesthetics with a playful, handmade quality. Her work is widely used in publishing, branding, packaging, and decorative art, making her one of the most notable illustrators of her generation.
Personal life
Congdon is openly queer and lives in Portland, Oregon, with her wife, Clay Walsh. She is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, creativity, and lifelong learning.