Oli Bartsch is most often found with a sketchbook in hand, whether perched in a quiet, beautiful spot in her home state of Montana or tucked into a lively local music venue. This year alone, while studying abroad in Italy, backpacking through Europe, and then working back home, she managed to fill six sketchbooks. She loves noticing the small details and everyday charm of life, capturing moments, places, and people. Oli loves stories of all kinds, whether she is illustrating a children’s book, documenting a live event, or sketching a quiet street corner. She is currently a senior Illustration student at the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating in 2026. Always ready for an adventure and eager for a challenge, Oli thrives on connection through her illustrations, through community, and through shared experiences.
Since 2022, Oli has worked as a freelance illustrator, creating everything from book illustrations to music concert posters to T-shirt designs. Her work has been shown at the Providence Art Club in Rhode Island and the Myrna Loy Center in Helena, Montana. She has also had two illustrations featured in the 2024 Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Exhibition.
