A blue, spiky, star-like shape on a white background.

A yellow starburst with eight points on a black background.

Hi! I’m Cris

ARTIST, ILLUSTRATOR & SURFACE DESIGNER

I help brands turn ideas into distinctive artwork that feels cohesive, fits the brief, and moves from concept to production with ease.

Illustration of multiple orange flowers with white centers and green leaves on a black background.

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Work with me

ILLUSTRATION & SURFACE DESIGN FOR PRODUCT BRANDS

Clear communication. Strong concepts. Production-ready files.

brands, publishers and creative teams

Trusted By

Watercolor illustration of a sleeping fox with closed eyes, curled up with a bushy tail.

Stylized handwritten text that reads 'Bonnie Christophe' in black on a transparent background.

and more!

let's talk

How I Can Help ♥

A colorful, vibrant painting of various coral and sea life, including different shapes and colors of coral, sea anemones, and a small fish.

A black greater than symbol (>) inside a white circle with a black border.

ART LICENSING

Looking for existing artwork with colour, character and story? License from my portfolio

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Colorful illustrated collage featuring a smiling woman with purple hair wearing a red hoodie, various framed artworks, a landscape with trees and a river, potted plants, and a watering can. Text includes personal details, quotes, and descriptions such as "Seeing art on my wall," "Watering my plants," "Walking by the river," and mentions of New Zealand and Auckland.

Black command prompt icon with a white background and a black circle border.

BESPOKE COMMISSIONS

Need something custom? I'll work with you from brief to finished, print-ready artwork.

let's talk

Colorful watercolor illustration of a bird with vibrant feathers perched on top of three stacked books. The books are titled 'Collectors Anonymous,' 'Mon Garnet D'Art by Cris Pliego,' and a third partially visible red book. Surrounding the bird and books are various colorful flowers and green leaves, set against a textured light pink background.

Black greater than symbol inside a white circle

ORIGINAL ART & PRINTS

Own a piece. A curated selection of original paintings & art prints for colourful homes, thoughtful gifts and art-filled spaces.

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Cris Pliego

Blue background with a yellow banana graphic in the center.

The CREATIVE MIND behind Cris Banana Studio

A woman sitting on a couch looking at a colorful scrapbook or photo album inside a cozy, decorated living room.

I’m a Mexican-Kiwi illustrator and surface designer based in Christchurch, Aotearoa-New Zealand.

I collaborate with art directors who have strong ideas and high standards and need a creative partner they can trust to get the brief, communicate effectively, and deliver what’s needed on time.

I understand that hiring a new artist can feel risky. You shouldn’t have to chase updates or worry if the final work will fit your brand. My aim is to make the process smooth from start to finish, so you can focus on the big picture while I handle the artwork.

I care about building strong working relationships through trust, good communication, and great work. I love making the process feel easy, and the result feel right. I’m available for licensing, commissions and creative collaborations.

Let's make the world a little brighter! Shall we? ♥

get in touch

Open sketchbooks and watercolor paints on a table, displaying colorful artwork and illustrations.

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The Red Barn Glenorchy New Zealand Art Print

NZ$54.00

Love for Mushrooms Art Print

NZ$54.00

Nugget Point New Zealand Art Print

NZ$54.00

Illustration of a woman with dark brown hair and rosy cheeks, wearing a mustard-colored jacket with floral embroidery over a red shirt, on a bright green background.

Yellow starburst shape with eight points on a black background.

Shop The Faves!

Close-up of a purple flower with five petals

A curated collection of original art and prints for colourful homes, thoughtful gifts and art-filled spaces.

A teal chat bubble with white quotation marks inside.

What they’re saying

“Cris' curiosity and attentiveness as a designer are incredible. Her skill as an illustrator is phenomenal. […] I'd recommend working with Cris to anyone and everyone.”

BARRY G.

“Cris is such talented designer. She is a joy to work with and kept me involved throughout the whole process. The finished products were even better than I had envisioned!”

RUTH KELLY