Oilibhear "Olly" from Curlworks

Olly Gibbs is a queer designer and illustrator based in Minneapolis, MN. He has a BFA in Graphic Design, a short history as a front-end web designer, and his full-time gig since 2018 has been sewing and designing for his busy online ‘brand’ Curlworks. Originally from rural south-central Wisconsin, his work is inspired by the nature around him and the communities he belongs to, and he prioritizes and enjoys doing work that uplifts and supports other queer and trans folks. In 2015 he began his self-employed career in the Furry Fandom sewing custom costumes for his friends and community, and over time ventured into designing products to sell at his convention tables & in his online shop. He now has two folks helping him with day-to-day tasks and his work is sold in over 200 stores worldwide. In addition to his collaborative projects, he has designed products for a variety of trans-supporting non-profit and mutual aid groups such as TIGERRS and Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center, in addition to his work for national brands. He has spoken at ICON12, been featured in Lavender Magazine and the Star Tribune, and enjoys using his large Instagram account to force people to look at the high-definition photos he takes of the rabbits in his yard. In his free time he loves to birdwatch with his husband, explore cute gift shops, and play gay kickball. He is also a big fan of American Coots, Neutral Milk Hotel (sorry), collecting traditional tattoos, and hanging out with other people’s dogs.