Outdoor and Camping Illustrations
by James Olstein

As a lover of nature and avid camper I’m always excited to tackle an editorial project on the subject of the great outdoors. Here are a few select outdoor/camping illustrations that range from large editorial packages for the LA Times to a fun beer label for Tonewood brewing.

See more work on my site!

LA TIMES

Series of illustrations that created for the LA Times to accompany Jaclyn Cosgrove‘s article “How to score a great campsite near L.A. without booking ahead.” The series included a gigantic header image and three large illustrations for each type of camper.

Art Direction: Jim Cooke and Micah Fluellen

A group of people observing a bear reading a book while sitting in front of a tent in a forest with big trees and animals.

Story header image.

Person sitting on a log near a campfire with birds and a beaver nearby

For the consummate peak bagger searching for new bragging rights (advanced.)

A person sitting under a large tree reading a book, with camping tents and a backpack nearby, in an outdoor camping scene.

For the REI co-op member who wants some quality dirt time (intermediate.)

Family of three outdoors, with a dog and rabbit in the background. The woman in green has brown curly hair, holding a drink, and the man is wearing a brown hat and is holding a drink, walking with a child who is holding a phone and wearing a green cap and shorts.

For the city dweller who just wants to fall asleep under the stars (beginner.)

A fish with a green and gray body holding a yellow trophy with the number 1, surrounded by snowflakes, flowers, and butterflies.

Our State

An award winning fish for the Grifton Shad Fest.

Art Director: Hannah Wright

Tonewood

Full wrap illustration for Tonewood Brewing’s Woodland Lager.

Art Direction: Marcy Coffey/WFGD Studio

Illustration of a forest scene with trees, mushrooms, an owl in a tree, a squirrel peeking from behind a tree, a rabbit, and a bird perched on a tree stump with the text "Woodland Lager".

Sierra Magazine

Feature illustration and spots for the March/April 2019 issue of Sierra Magazine. The article is about repairing your outdoor gear to get the most from it.

Art Direction: Jessica Meskus

A woman hiking in a snow-covered forest with pine trees, snow flying behind her, using trekking poles, as a tree stump with exposed roots emits a red streak simulating movement or speed.
Illustration of outdoor camping and hiking gear, including a puffy jacket, a flashlight, a portable speaker, and a tent.

Outside Magazine

This series of illustrations was for Outside Magazine's Lost Arts of the Outdoors feature.

Art Direction: Christopher Thompson

Illustration of a red van with four people inside, carrying various items on the roof including a boat, bicycles, and luggage, with musical notes around the driver, and a point spread on the right side.

Planning the perfect “bro” camping trip.

Two women hiking through a snowy forest with pine trees, one carrying a large backpack filled with golf clubs, the other holding a water bottle.

Hiking at different experience levels.

A girl in winter clothing pulling a sled with a large log, surrounded by several pigs and dogs near a small pond in a forest at night with a crescent moon and stars.

Even a seasoned outdoors person can get lost.

 

Looking for an outdoor or camping illustration?

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