Olivia Scopa and the Power of a Cheetah Print Beret
By Natalie McCarty
When I first came across Olivia Scopa’s work, I was instantly hooked by how fresh, original, and full of personality her style felt. Her illustrations have this bold, sassy energy that’s impossible to ignore where every character she creates feels like there’s this whole personality and story behind them. In honor of collaborating with Olivia on a few pieces for Gut Instinct, it felt only right to take a moment and introduce the incredibly talented artist behind the scenes. I'm so excited to share a little glimpse into Olivia’s universe and the creative mind that brings it all to life.
Okay, let’s start with the obvious—who is the girl in the cheetah print beret? Is she you, a character, an alter ego?
The girl in the cheetah print beret represents an alter ego of mine that’s sassy, bold, and confident — much like the characters I illustrate! I remember my sister had this red cheetah print beret (and of course, being the younger sister, I had to have it). Eventually, it found its way into my closet more often than hers, and every time I wore it, I felt this instant confidence. Now it’s a wardrobe staple for me. The name rolled off the tongue and felt like the perfect artist name for my illustrations.
Your art is full of these glam, confident “sassy ladies with long lashes and lots of lore.” Where do they come from? Are they inspired by real people, characters, vibes?
My illustrations actually started off as self-portraits — I used them as a way to journal. Mixing quotes I resonated with and pairing them with illustrations felt really freeing. Most of those are still hidden away in my sketchbook journal, but one day I hope to release them to the world! When I started posting on Instagram, commissions started rolling in, and people wanted little self-portraits of themselves <3. Now, my illustrations are a mix of myself, real people, and sassy characters I dream up in my head.
There’s this mix of fun and mystery in your work—like we’re only getting a peek into a much bigger story. Do you imagine full backstories for your characters?
I haven’t really thought too much about full backstories for my characters yet, but that sounds like so much fun to experiment with!
How did you land on this specific style? Has it evolved a lot or did it show up one day and just feel right?
It took me a long time to develop my illustration style. I struggled for a while to find something that really resonated with me. Eventually, I decided to focus on one specific niche (the long lashes) and build from there. As soon as I added those lashes to the girls I drew, it was game over — it finally felt right. Honing in on that one consistent feature helped me really develop and refine my style.
Can we talk about the lashes for a second? Such a cute signature thing for you. What made you come up with that staple?
I really wanted a specific element that would be consistent across all my work — something that stood out so people could immediately say, "That's a Cheetah Print Beret illustration." I’m an Aries and have a sassy side that I wanted to reflect in my art. Long lashes have always screamed sass and confidence to me. It was the first signature I tried, and it just stuck! I was over the moon when I figured it out.
What does your creative process look like—are you someone who sketches out ideas first or do you dive straight into the digital work?
My creative process is super relaxed. I was in a big creative block when I started drawing these girls, so I wanted the process to feel as carefree as possible. As soon as I get an idea — whether it’s girls getting ready in the bathroom, hanging out on my bed with my cat Boo, a funny conversation with a friend, or just a cool outfit idea — I write it down. I always start with a sketch, whether digital or physical. I do most of my digital illustration work on Procreate, Canva, and Adobe! I even designed my own font to pair with my illustrations when I want to add text. Although I mainly work digitally now, I originally started these pieces with watercolor. I’d love to try creating them with acrylics or oils eventually.
What’s your favorite reaction someone’s ever had to one of your pieces?
Oh my goodness! I have the most loving and wonderful group of people supporting my work. Every single reaction makes my day. Honestly, it’s impossible for me to pick a favorite because every reaction has been so special. I’m just overjoyed with all the love, especially since this all started as art just for myself.
Your world seems tailor-made for merch. We know you work with our friends at Dreamworldgirl Zine, but any plans for prints, apparel, or even a graphic novel?
I would LOVE to expand! I’m currently working on setting up an online print shop and I’m hoping to have it open by summer. A graphic novel has been on my mind a lot lately too, and I’ll definitely be attempting one in the near future. My work really screams girlhood, so I think the graphic novel would be short stories about navigating girlhood — but who knows! I’m open to wherever the idea may take me <3. Apparel would be so fun too — I’m already imagining Y2K-style baby tees and cute phone cases.
If your characters could talk, what do you think they’d say about you?
They’d probably be like the little starfish earrings Aqua wears in Aquamarine. I'm really big on positive self-talk and self-love. I think the way we speak to ourselves is so powerful, and it’s important to be kind and gentle with yourself. Since these characters feel like extensions of me, I’d love for them to embody affirmations and spread that energy.
Do you ever get stuck creatively, and if so, how do you get unstuck?
YES! Creative blocks are so frustrating and hard to get through. The best advice I have — and what works for me — is to create without pressure. I tend to be a perfectionist and want every piece of art to be perfect (and for everyone to love it), but letting go of that pressure is so freeing. I love keeping an art journal where I can just doodle and write without any expectations. It’s been so healing for me.
If you had to describe your art as a playlist or a cocktail, what would be on it or in it?
My art would definitely be a cosmopolitan — not just because most of my drawings feature one, but because it’s the perfect mix of bold, sassy, and sweet <3. Cosmopolitans are classy, carefree, and confident — she’s Carrie Bradshaw energy!
For a playlist, it would be a mix of early 2000s pop, Charli XCX, and Addison Rae!
Last one: What would you tell a young artist who’s just starting out and wants to create their own little visual universe, like you have?
Finding your art style is the most important part — it’s the glue that holds everything together! My universe really came to life once I found my style and started creating tons of illustrations around it. Research art you love, fashion you love, colors and styles you vibe with! (I’m huge on Pinterest — it’s helped me find myself in so many ways.) Be bold and confident in your art, experiment with everything, and most importantly, just have fun creating! Take the pressure off of trying to make the “perfect” thing — that’s my biggest advice <3.
