Welcome to TorontoIllustrators.com

1. When did you start illustrating (for clients professionally?)

My first professional illustration assignment was a poster for Fairweathers Stores with 20 fashion figures, while I was in my last year at OCADU 1986-1987. One of my instructors, illustrator Bob Berger helped me draft out a contract before I took the project, to help protect my rights and insure payment.

2. Who are your biggest influences?

I am continually searching for new sources of inspiration by going to art shows, museums, art events, teaching art programs, communicating with fellow artists, participating in art groups activities, and exploring the world around me. Many of my art instructors have been very important mentors. My artistic style have been greatly influenced by the impressionist, expressionist, surrealists; Emily Carr, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keefe, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Paul Cezanne, Peter Paul Rubens, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Amedeo Modigliano, FH Varley and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, etc.

3. What is your work process?

I start with sketching ideas, then I refine the chosen sketch. A colour rough comp is usually done digitally. Most of my final illustrations are created with Caran D’Ache water-soluble pastels on vellum to create the full colour painterly artwork. When the artwork is finished I scan it to clean, touch up and size digitally, then send it to the client. I also use a brush dipped in black ink to draw on paper, then scan the art line drawings and add watercolour washes digitally to create a fresh looser style.

4. What would you name as the biggest strength of your illustrations?

The biggest strength of my illustrations is their dynamic, fluid, expressive movement and bold colours depict strong creative conceptual ideas. Another strength is that I am continually challenging myself to experiment and try new exciting approaches.

5. Do you have any formal education in art?

In Toronto I went to CW Jeffreys Collegiate Institute’s specialized visual arts program that included classes in watercolour painting, acrylic painting, sculpture, pottery, mold making, casting, life-drawing, architectural drawing and design, model making, graphic design, photography, observational drawing, art history, etc. It provided me with a strong foundation to go to Ontario College of Art and Design University where I studied illustration, design and fine art. After OCADU I went to Humber College to study computer digital programs and York University to study teaching. Art education provides you the best opportunity to meet other artists to build lasting relationships, that will inspire and challenged you.

6. Where do you see the future of illustration?

Looking forward, it is important to create our own illustration opportunities, in order to find multiple original ways to make money from your artwork.

7. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone considering a career in illustration, what would it be?

Learn all aspects related to your main art field, especially the business and marketing to sell your art. Start by creating a strong collection of artwork in your own personal unique style, reflecting what you want to express. Your style will take a while to develop and it should keep evolving over time. The best way to promote your art is to find creative, unique ways to stand out from the rest.

8. Last words?

Don’t be afraid to escape from your safe illustration island and just get out there and do it, meet people, ask questions and promote yourself.

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