About the Artist
Karen Parker Moeller is an award-winning illustrator and fine artist. A graduate of the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design, Karen’s early career encompassed various creative roles at GM Photographic, Quorum, Signa Design, and as Senior Art Designer at Unisys. Multiple recognitions and awards began to accumulate.
In 2002 she and her husband, Chas, launched their own boutique design firm, Karen Moeller Design, delivering a full range of design services (illustration, graphic design and fine art) to a wide array of institutional, corporate and non-profit clients. moedesign.com
In 2013-2015, she entered ArtPrize and in 2014 made it into the Top 100, for a eight-foot by five-foot oil painting named “KaBoom.” This painting is now hanging in the lobby of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. See the painting on our moedesign site.
In 2020 Karen and Chas launched 620 Deep, LLC with an eye toward the Michigan tourism market. In 2021, the Peninsula Paradise series made its debut and it was so well received that in 2023 they are poised to bring Karen’s playful designs to a national audience, capturing the unique qualities of special destinations across the country.
Artist Statement
“Peninsula Paradise” reveals a whimsical take on Michigan wildlife, where in a “reverse zoo” animals observe the recreational habits of humans and sometimes create their own mischief.
My creative process involves conceptualization, experimentation and the invention of new styles. In the Peninsula Paradise series, digital files are built in a laborious process of drawing and composing “from scratch” on paper or on my iPad using an Apple pencil stylus. I create all of my original patterns using my own photographs of ordinary objects in a process I conceived. I layer them to create rich textures in bold colors. The result is an interesting mix of simple shapes and complex patterns. Watch a start-to-finish drawing video at the bottom of this page.
I’m particularly fond of this series as the animals seem to come alive for me and take on their own personalities—I like to think of them as my kids. With my whimsical concepts I’m expressing my love for all things Michigan and I hope to bring a smile to those who engage with my work.
Awards
APEX Award of Excellence
APEX Grand Award
ADDY Gold Award Winner
ADDY Silver Award Winner
Best of Show PR Xchange American Library Association
Ragan’s PR Daily’s Nonprofit PR Awards
Ragan’s PR Daily–Nonprofit PR Awards
Ragan’s Health Care PR and Marketing Award
E-current Reader’s Choice Award
Art Directors Club Award
Print Regional Annual
AIGA: Graphis Annual Reports
Print Regional Design Annual
ArtPrize: Top 100 Award
GRAND TRAVERSE BAY
MILES LONG
MILES WIDE
FEET DEEP
About the Name
620 Deep is a tribute to our favorite body of water — Grand Traverse Bay — 620 feet at its deepest point, found in East Bay, just off of Old Mission Harbor. Grand Traverse Bay is flanked on its west by the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula —and founders Chas and Karen Moeller have cherished this very special place for over five decades.
The state of Michigan—comprised of two peninsulas—contains spectacular coastlines, grand vistas, pristine beaches, lakes, rivers, and tranquil forests teeming with wildlife. Outdoor life in Michigan always provides endless adventures and serene tranquility—inspiring much of Karen’s art.
Chas & Karen Moeller
Founders, 620 Deep, LLC
To see our award-winning work, please visit moedesign.com.
My Process
Click the play button to see how I created “Croakin’ N’ Soakin'” from scratch on my ipad. Hover over the image to see the play button.
Available as a sticker and in a small 8×10 frame