Woman sitting on a wooden bench outdoors, smiling, wearing sunglasses, a hat, and casual clothes, holding a notebook and pen, with backpacks and yellow blanket beside her, surrounded by plants.

Hi! I’m Cris Pliego, a New Zealand Illustrator and the artist behind Cris Banana Studio. I make product artwork for bold, modern lifestyle brands that wanna get noticed.

Watercolor painting of two flowers, one purple and one yellow, on a white background.

Designed with heart, made to brighten

your days

Decorative heart-shaped ornament with colorful feathers on top, featuring a hand-painted purple heart with yellow and white floral patterns and a blue scalloped border.

Cris in a nutshell

Hi, I’m Cris. I’m a Mexican-Kiwi artist, illustrator, and surface designer living in Christchurch, New Zealand. My work is inspired by colour, my global travels, everyday moments, and my Mexican roots, with a love of playful detail, warmth, and visual storytelling.

Growing up in Mexico, colour felt like part of my language. After moving to Aotearoa, I found myself reconnecting with that part of myself through painting. That’s a big part of how Cris Banana Studio began, from a desire to make work that feels joyful, expressive, and full of personality.

Today, I create artwork for lifestyle product brands, as well as original art and prints for homes that want a little more colour and character. I love making work that feels distinctive and story-filled, whether it ends up on a product, in print, or on a wall.

When I’m not creating for work, you’ll usually find me hiking, journaling, out on my weekly walk with friends, making art for pleasure, learning something new, or/and eating dark chocolate.

A red and blue heart-shaped plush toy with blue hands and white accents.

At a Glance

Red and pink abstract flower with a green stem on a pink background.

Based in: Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand
Available for: Art licensing, illustration commissions and creative collaborations
Best for: Stationery, gift brands, publishing, packaging and colourful lifestyle products
Inspired by: Nature, travel, everyday moments and Mexican colour

Person painting colorful illustrations and collages on paper with watercolor paints, surrounded by art supplies and water jars on a table.
Illustration of a green leafy branch with seven oval-shaped leaves.
A wall decorated with various framed artwork, posters, and illustrations, including a large red vase with dried flowers on a shelf, a color palette wheel, and small decorative objects.

Let’s make something fun!

If you’re looking for licensing, a commission, or a collab, I’d love to hear from you ❤︎⁠

get in touch :)
get in touch :)