Nicole Bustamante is an illustrator and visual artist based in São Paulo, Brazil.
She collaborates with publishers and brands to create hand-drawn, highly detailed ornamental illustrations for books, special editions, packaging, and visual storytelling projects.
Her work is characterized by intricate ornamental compositions developed through traditional techniques such as Indian ink, pen, watercolor, colored pencils, and mixed media. She is particularly interested in the tactile quality and expressive character of handmade imagery.
Her visual language draws inspiration from Pop Surrealism, Art Nouveau, vintage design, literature, animals, and nature, often incorporating symbolic and narrative elements into her compositions.
With over 15 years of experience in the creative industry, her career combines a strong background in design, art direction, and illustration. Earlier in her career, she worked extensively within the fashion and advertising industries, developing artwork for products, collections, campaigns, and events.
This multidisciplinary background continues to inform her approach today, allowing her to balance artistic expression with a strong awareness of design, production, and commercial application.
Over the years, she has collaborated with international publishers, brands, and cultural institutions.
Selected clients include:
Apple, Penguin Random House, The Quarto Group, Wordsworth Editions, Rainbow Crate, Editora Abril, Editora Intrínseca, Editora Planeta, Editora Martin Claret, TAG Livros, Nestlé, O Boticário, Café do Ponto, SESC, Havaianas, Coca-Cola, C&A, SPFW, and many others.
Apple, Penguin Random House, The Quarto Group, Wordsworth Editions, Rainbow Crate, Editora Abril, Editora Intrínseca, Editora Planeta, Editora Martin Claret, TAG Livros, Nestlé, O Boticário, Café do Ponto, SESC, Havaianas, Coca-Cola, C&A, SPFW, and many others.
Her work has also been featured in publications, exhibitions, and international illustration events, and has received recognition from design and illustration awards.
Selected Publications and Features:
Classic Patterns, SendPoints, in 2014. (CHINA)
Modern Patterns, SendPoints, in 2014. (CHINA)
ZUPI Magazine Issue #66, in 2022. (BRAZIL)
The Hidden Mag Issue #14, in 2023. (BRAZIL)World Illustration Awards 2023 Shortlisted Artists, in 2023 (UK)
Pixel Show Sharp Talk "The Crooked Paths of Creativity," in 2023 (BRAZIL)
Pixel Show LIVE ART, in 2023 (BRAZIL)
365 ART+ Magazine - Case 63 Cats, in 2024 (JAPAN)
365 ART+ Magazine - Case 72 "All About Animals," in 2024 (JAPAN)
Selected Exhibitions:
"Mostra de Arte Felina" Exhibition at Casa Sinlogo, in 2015. (BRAZIL)
"ReAlices Narrativas ArteVisuais" Exhibition at SESC Santo André, in 2021. (BRAZIL)
Fourth Festival of Illustration - ILUSTROFEST 2022, exhibiting the "ReAlices Narrativas ArteVisuais" project in July 2022. (Belgrade, SERBIA)
"Imaginators-a-Go-Go" Exhibition at the WOWxWOW Gallery in August 2022. (Scotland, UK)
"WOW² (Volume VI)" Exhibition at the WOWxWOW Gallery in September 2022. (Scotland, UK)
"Mystical Rhythms" Exhibition at the WOWxWOW Gallery in December 2022. (Scotland, UK)
"Memory Hive" Exhibition at the WOWxWOW Gallery in June 2023. (Scotland, UK)
"4th Global Illustration Show" at Seoul Illustration Fair 2023, in July 2023. (Seoul, South Korea)
"Small Works Show: Haunted" at the Curio Art Gallery, in November 2023 (Portugal)
"Art Now Show" at the Brassworks Gallery, in December 2023 (Portland, USA)
"Daydreams" SOLO Exhibition at Pixel Show, in January 2024 (BRAZIL)
"Small Works Show: Memoir" at the Curio Art Gallery, in September 2024 (Portugal)
"P.S. 9 Postcard Show" at Nucleus House, in December 2024 (Portland, USA)
"Pomp and Circumstance" at the Curio Art Gallery, in March 2025 (Portugal)
"Enchanted Fables" at the Curio Art Gallery, in June 2025 (Portugal)
"Newbie November" at Every Day Original, in November 2025 (USA)
"P.S. 10 Postcard Show" at Nucleus House, in November 2025 (Portland, USA)
"Yours Truly" at Poetic Tiger Gallery, in November 2025 (USA)
Awards & Honors:
Winner of the BRONZE at the Craft For Design- Illustration Category in the Brazil Design Award 2021 for my participation in the "ReAlices Narrativas ArteVisuais" Exhibition at SESC Santo André.
Winner of the SILVER (LAD PLATA 2022) at the Print Material- Illustration Category in the Latin American Design Award 2022 for my participation in the "ReAlices Narrativas ArteVisuais" Exhibition at SESC Santo André.
Winner of the BRONZE at the Craft For Design- Illustration Category in the Brazil Design Award 2022 for "Alice in Wonderland PaperDoll."
Winner of the BRONZE (LAD BRONCE 2023) at the Print Material- Illustration Category in the Latin American Design Award 2023 for "Alice in Wonderland PaperDoll."
SHORTLISTED at the Self-Initiated Category in the World Illustration Awards 2023 for The Masque of the Red Death".
SHORTLISTED at Huion Digital Innovation Award Cross-Category in the World Illustration Awards 2023 for The Masque of the Red Death".
Winner of the BRONZE (LAD BRONCE 2024) at the Print Material- Illustration Category in the Latin American Design Award 2024 for "Allumettes x Nicole Bustamante - Onirique Collection."
Winner of the BRONZE (LAD BRONCE 2024) as part of the
Arado & Lasca Estudio team with Integrated Graphics at the Graphic Design Category in the Latin American Design Award 2024 for "Porco e Tainha."
Arado & Lasca Estudio team with Integrated Graphics at the Graphic Design Category in the Latin American Design Award 2024 for "Porco e Tainha."
Selected for the 14th Brazilian Design Biennial as part of the
Arado & Lasca Estudio team with Integrated Graphics for "Porco e Tainha" Identity.
Arado & Lasca Estudio team with Integrated Graphics for "Porco e Tainha" Identity.
Finalist at the D-Uncommissioned Category in the Hiii Illustration 2023 (China) for the "Matters of the Heart" watercolor series for WOWxWOW Gallery (UK) and Brassworks Gallery (USA).
Winner of the BRONZE (LAD BRONCE 2025) at the Print Material- Illustration Category in the Latin American Design Award 2025 for "Wordsworth Classics - Alexandre Dumas Collection."
Approach to Illustration:
She devotes meticulous attention to detail and strives for uncompromising quality in every piece. Her work is guided by a deep commitment to craftsmanship and by the belief that illustration can create meaningful visual experiences and lasting emotional connections.
For commissions and collaborations:
nicole.a.bustamante@gmail.com