photo of by Australian artist and pattern designer Anna Markula snorkelling

I’m an Australian artist creating unique tropical and ocean-inspired pattern designs and nature illustrations.

My art is fun and bright and expresses my love of the ocean and tropical nature. My favourite place to be is outdoors, especially at the beach or snorkelling a coral reef! I’m influenced by abstract details in nature, amazing wildlife, bold bright colours, fun dance music, and the magical interaction between salt water and light. 

My work has been featured on swimwear and fashion brands in Australia and the USA, and on fun art projects. 

I love to collaborate with amazing businesses to help them achieve their dreams! 

I work with a variety of mediums, mostly acrylics and watercolours. I love to experiment with different art materials to get a particular look I am after. I scan my completed artworks and then play around in Photoshop, layering my artwork and photographs to create a repeat pattern or placement print. 

I created Girl and the Deep Blue Sea to allow an escape from the everyday…. to a fun-filled island paradise bursting with colour and life! 

I hope you enjoy my world of Girl and the Deep Blue Sea!

image of Australian artist and pattern designer Anna Markula working on a surface pattern design
women in a bright swimsuit featuring art by Australian artist and pattern designer Anna Markula

fun ~ vibrant ~ unique

about page of Australian surface pattern designer Anna Markula.

I acknowledge the Yuggera people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live, create and work.

I pay my respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

ESCAPISM

The art and vibe of Girl and the Deep Blue Sea aims to create a sense of wanderlust and escape from the everyday.

FUN

Girl and the Deep Blue Sea wants to create happiness and beauty in the world, and most of all put a smile on your face!

UNIQUENESS

It’s cool to be yourself! Quirky and different designs is what Girl and the Deep Blue Sea is all about, letting you show the world your amazing individuality!

ENVIRONMENT

Girl and the Deep Blue Sea donates 10% of yearly profit to Coolum & North Shore Coast Care. They are a not-for-profit volunteer group that does amazing work on the Sunshine Coast (actually along the stretch of beach where Anna grew up).

SUSTAINABILITY

Individual actions can make a difference to the health of the planet and it’s people. Girl and the Deep Blue Sea strives to have a positive impact on the environment:

  • all electronic equipment (laptop, scanner, phone) is powered using renewable energy from Powershop Australia 
  • banking is done through Bank Australia which funds conservation projects 
  • products available through the Girl and the Deep Blue Sea Shop are only produced on demand, through companies that have high environmental and ethical standards (read the policies of Spoonflower and Redbubble)
  • Print on demand products sold are only those that are made with natural or recycled (circular) materials – so no plastic or virgin polyester
I love collaborating with businesses that share these values and produce eco-friendly products- let’s chat if this is you!