Discover the full collection and explore the story behind the set.
The Artist
Bella Rachlin is known for her mixed-media artwork in the comic book industry and has been working professionally as an artist for over a decade, creating pieces for numerous comic book and card companies.
She discovered her love for alcohol markers in 2013 and has since explored layered techniques using watercolors, colored pencils, acrylics, ink, and more.
Trying OLO for the first time was an instant click. Bella loves the smooth blending and vibrant color shades, and this artist set celebrates the tools and colors she reaches for most.
We’re excited to celebrate Bella’s creativity through this artist set collaboration.
ARTIST INTERVIEW:
BELLA RACHLIN
Artist Bella Rachlin shares perspectives on her artistic journey, creative process, inspirations, and the curation of her OLO Artist Set. Read the full interview below to learn more about her work and approach.
Can you tell us about how your journey as an artist began?
I always loved drawing, since I remember myself. My journey began very early, at the age of 1, with many scribbles on the walls and floor back then. In the following years of my childhood, I used to draw for hours every day while experimenting with different mediums that were available to me. It was always clear to me that I wanted to be an artist.
After working in several jobs that I highly disliked, in 2014, I went to New York Comic Con for the first time and was stunned to see the artist alley there. So many professional, legendary artists. I showed my work, got harsh critiques, and it was clear that I had to study to pursue my dream.
When I got back, I studied and practiced after my work hours (I was a secretary at the time) and it was exhausting. After a year, at 23, I decided to put all my efforts into chasing the dream to become a professional artist. I went to my first art course in the USA (I did summer classes at the Joe Kubert School), and I quit my day job so I could put all my energy into practicing art.
What does your creative process look like when starting a new piece?
I start a new piece from doing simple layout sketches to test the composition that I would like for the piece. Then after choosing my layout, I create my reference for the piece—either by taking photos of myself or a friend or by using a 3D model app. Then I sketch the layout on a draft paper (or digitally) and then transfer it to my mixed media paper.
This process allows me to have a clean piece of paper and a pose that I already figured out, so I can focus on coloring.
What materials do you enjoy working with most?
My favorite materials are almost everything that I have! I love combining them together. I enjoy using pencils and waterproof ink for the sketch, alcohol markers (this is where OLO comes in!) for the figure, colored pencils, watercolors for the background, and then alcohol markers again, and acrylics too.
The depth the mixed media creates fascinates me, and I continue exploring all the time.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I feel like everything inspires me. I find inspiration in nature, people, movies that I like, and music—especially sci-fi and ’80s aesthetic.
A project that holds special significance to me is my Marvel Unbound 4 set for Upper Deck that was released in 2024. I created the entire art for the set, using my favorite mixed media combinations. It was a long project that I had to keep secret for a year and a half—the most effort I ever put into any project so far.
My early influences were fantasy artists, especially Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell. Their beautiful works of sci-fi, creatures, strong figures, and beautiful color choices still inspire me.
How would you describe your artistic philosophy?
My philosophy is quite simple: there’s always room to improve and much to learn and experiment; therefore, the inspiration is endless. Personally, I don’t have a “muse.” I feel like with a world full of such incredible elements, there’s always something new to achieve and study.
What advice would you give artists when they feel stuck or blocked?
If you have a block, just draw for practice without expecting it to be the next masterpiece. To me, it always helped.
How did your personal style develop over time?
Style is the outcome of all your inspirations and influences together. It develops slowly and comes out after experimenting with mediums and studying and practicing. My style started to show with the combinations I used and the artists that I studied. It’s like putting all these ingredients in a bowl and seeing them cook slowly.
It started to be more coherent when I discovered which mediums I liked better, and after studying and being inspired by my favorite artists.
How has the art community influenced your career?
The art community was a major role in my art career. I asked for portfolio reviews at cons several times, and each critique helped me to be more focused on what I needed to improve.
After working professionally for a couple of years, I went to an art course in Italy to study more classic painting. The critique from the teachers there also really helped me to know where I needed to put more energy.
I would advise any aspiring artist to work on their portfolios and ask for reviews, whether at cons or via emails. Getting a direction and being open-minded is crucial. There’s always room for improvement, and accepting it is key.
Do you have a preferred way to start coloring a piece?
I love starting from the highlights of the piece. I always do a small test on a draft paper first to test the combinations I have in mind, and then I start coloring. I usually focus on the face of the figure first and then the figure itself. I like putting my best efforts into the focus point first.
What inspired you to curate your OLO artist set?
I wanted to shine light on the colors that I liked using the most from OLO. They have so many combinations of colors, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to show which ones are my favorites together.
Choosing them was not easy! I chose the colors while creating the cover art for the case and the art print. I noticed which colors I used the most, marked them on a draft paper, and at the end had to pick my absolute favorites from a long list.
Yes—the pinks and purples! V0.3, V2.4, BV1.4, BV1.1. Also the yellows and turquoises. You know what… all of them.
Can this set be used on its own?
Yes, this set can be used on its own. The color combinations that I chose can be blended into each other and create more shades than you can imagine. Notice that I didn’t choose a regular black color, but a deep shade of purplish red. It gives so much more depth to the piece when there’s color even in the more intense shadows.
What inspired you to curate your OLO artist set?
My message would be: Don’t stop creating! No matter what. Creation is the power of art, and it is magical.
Thank you to Bella Rachlin for sharing her insights and creative perspective!
Inspired by her approach? Grab this exclusive Bella Rachlin x OLO Artist Set today!