The Hills are Alive…
Edit 23. Christie Williams Design, Monbulk.
Tucked away among towering trees and leafy ferns, illustrator, pattern designer and author Christie Williams creates magical art that you’ll spy across Australian retailers. You’ve likely seen her vibrant designs, featured across everything from greeting cards to pyjamas, everyday homewares and children’s books.
Christie grew up in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, in a forest very different from the one she calls home now. Creativity shaped her childhood. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t drawing or creating. My nonny, my grandmother and my mum are both very artistic. We were always doing craft, card‑making, scrapbooking, drawing, painting… it all flowed from that.”
She completed a visual communications degree and began her career designing greeting cards. It was here she discovered the world of licensing, realising she could offer her illustrations to an entire industry as a contractor. That became her goal. Today, she works for herself, licensing her designs while also pursuing a growing passion for authoring and illustrating children’s books.
Christie initially hand‑drew everything, but as demand increased and client needs shifted, moving to digital became essential. While she still loves the hand‑drawn process, the transition has allowed her to adapt and refine her work quickly.
Her collaborations include Hallmark greeting cards, Alex Liddy homewares, Peter Alexander sleepwear, Scrubsy and many more, her signature, joyful style a favourite for many.
Inspired by her surroundings, Christie’s work celebrates Australian native flora and fauna. She spends time exploring local gardens in the Dandenong Ranges, sketchbook and camera in hand, building a catalogue of images that later spark new illustrations. “Our flowers are just so beautiful, and I want to see them in different colours,” she says.
Living and working in Monbulk gives Christie endless access to the natural beauty that drives her creativity. “We’re very lucky to live here with that view. It’s beautiful, so, so inspiring.”
Discover more at @christie.williams.design or christiewilliams.com.au.
