Meet our Cover Artist: Kellin Bass

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For our Summer cover, we partnered with illustrator Kellin Bass, whose nostalgic yet fresh style brings the season to life in an unmistakably Salem way. Drawing inspiration from mid-century design, vintage finds, and a lifelong love of art, Kellin's work celebrates the joy of color, play, and imperfection. We sat down with her to talk inspiration, process, and what it means to create art that lives beyond the canvas.

What first drew you to art—and when did you know this was more than a hobby for you?

I have been interested in the arts my whole life. In high school I was more focused on the performing arts and participated in multiple choirs and musical productions. My attention shifted to the fine arts after I graduated high school in 2014. That summer, I traveled to Paris and London with my mom and a close family friend, and I was in absolute awe of the beauty and craftsmanship in everything the whole time. The architecture, history, art, and museums instantly captivated and moved me. Fast-forward four years and I graduated with a BA in art

history and began experimenting with my own artistic practice. I always knew I wanted to pursue some sort of creative profession, and as my personal style developed, so did my passion for illustration and design. After I sold my first few humble commissions in 2018, I thought, “Hey, I think I can do something with this” and have continued onward ever since.

Can you describe your artistic style or philosophy in 3 sentences or less?

My general style is largely influenced by vibrant mid-century modern color palettes, textures, and inky lines. I like to meld visual characteristics of the past and present to create pieces that are simultaneously nostalgic and relevant. I embrace little imperfections that represent the inherent humanness of creating.

Tell us about your process—do you plan everything out or let the work evolve as you go?

It depends on the project brief and medium, but my personal illustration work is typically created intuitively without a concrete plan. I may have a general idea of a subject I’d like to depict and the tentative color palette but the rest develops in the moment. I don’t like to restrict myself too early on because sometimes the best ideas emerge from experimental play. For freelance illustration and design jobs with specific requirements, my process is more organized and strategic. I conduct research first and then begin sketching concepts and compositions. After I’ve visualized a solid plan, I then begin working in whatever software I’m using, such as Procreate or Adobe Illustrator, etc. At that point I’ll tweak things as needed while finalizing everything.

Where do you draw inspiration from—internally or externally? Any unexpected sources?

As a visual person I draw most of my inspiration from external sources. I love vintage books and find that there is much to be admired from styles, techniques, and trends of the past. I grew up thrifting with my parents and going on day-trips up to Portland antique and vintage shops, so my fascination with old things is practically genetic. Art history, travel, nature, and pop-culture are other wells of inspiration, too. And then there’s creative legends like Mary Blair, Paula Scher, and Seymour Chwast that I deeply admire.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, shows, or dreams you’re chasing?

I recently finished illustrating a children’s book (What Would Grammy Say? by Kathy Peck Nestell) and now that it is published, I’m looking forward to designing and illustrating full-time. I’d love to do more book illustration and print design in the future; I have a few ideas up my sleeve. I also hope to be a vendor at the Crafty Wonderland shows in Portland eventually. It is a personal goal and creative bucket-list-item I am working towards. 

Favorite medium?

Digital: Pencil in Procreate 

Analog: Micron ink pen

Favorite tools?

Alpha lock and selection tools in Procreate

Favorite subject?

Vintage toys and trinkets

Find more online: https://kellinbass.com/ 

This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 24 ( Summer 2025)

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