Hi, I’m Kristian Gallagher.

Award winning artist, freelance illustrator, textile designer, photographer, a few other “-er”s, and founder of design brand Modern Tropical.

Artistic Style

People tell me they like my work for its colorful, whimsical style. It’s mostly inspired by my travels, my love of vintage Saturday morning cartoons, and the mid century style that surrounded me growing up in California. The work celebrates the endless summer lifestyle with relentlessly vibrant colors, tropical motifs, and otherworldly outdoor scenes. It’s an undeniably upbeat and idealistic view of the world as it could be. 

Awards x Recognition

• Pottery Barn x Minted, Walls That Wow Winner
• Society6, Bestsellers of 2019 Collection
• Society6, Bestsellers of 2020 Collection
• Artsy Shark feature article
• Americanflat, Featured Artist
• Americanflat Artist Spotlight
• Society6, Bestsellers of 2021 Collection
• Art.com, Home page feature
• Society6, Bestsellers of 2022 Collection
• Desenio, Featured Artist
• iCanvas, Artist Spotlight Article

Personal Statement

My primary goal is to create art that makes people happy in hopes of leaving this world a bit better than I found it. People tell me they buy my work because it puts a smile on their face. That’s good enough for me. Happy people have better judgement and are kinder to others. It’s a ripple effect. We could use more happy people in the world these days, yes?

Contact