Resembling a movie still, Arrivedlate’s work borders between dream and reality, capturing a moment in time, immersing viewers to imagine themselves as part of the fantasy. Utilizing bold graphic linework, Arrivedlate draws inspiration from niche music genres such as Vaporwave and its contrasting imagery to City-pop’s romanticism. Through her visual journey, Arrivedlate seeks to explore various topics in a retro perspective lens within the modern context.

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What do you do?

I go by Arrivedlate and I’m a Toronto-based illustrator. I’ve worked with a couple of clients in the music space and have commissioned some work for local events within the artist community – ensuring that I’m still somewhat involved within the local space.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a new series which is an expansion of my ‘Night Rider’ piece. That one in particular resonates with many people and I want to further explore more characters with a similar tone and vibe. That aside, I’m keeping busy learning 3D rendering through some online classes and resources – which is an area I was always previously interested in! I want to be able to incorporate it into my body of work.

Where can we find your artwork?

Website | Instagram

The post “A Day in the Life” with Toronto-based Illustrator Nancy Zhang appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

In 2019 she invested in an iPad and dedicated an entire year to honing her drawing skills. Whether it was 20 minutes or 2 hours a day, she committed herself to consistent practice and improvement. Little did she know that this venture would ignite her love for digital art and illustration, propelling her forward to find her purpose in the world – to spark joy through art.

Growing up in a South Asian Household, art and creativity were often seen as mere distractions. However, as she discovered her true passion for art through her 365-day challenge, she had to break free from those beliefs and embrace her identity as a creative entrepreneur. She had to remind herself that pursuing her artistic aspirations didn’t make her a failure; instead, it required courage to go against the norms she was taught.

Today, she is proud to be a full-time illustrator, representing the minority women in creative fields that were lacking during her own upbringing. Whether it’s adorning public spaces with her art or crafting uplifting greeting cards, her ultimate goal is to bring smiles to people’s faces.

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Which neighbourhood are you in?

I am located in Brampton West, borderline Mississauga.

What do you do?

I work in both digital and acrylic mediums. When it comes to digital, I do Illustrative work for corporate clients as well as surface pattern design work for products. I use Procreate on my iPad because I feel the most in control when I am drawing with my hand. However, when I need to scale my work for large sizes like vinyl installations or create repeating patterns for products, I use Adobe Illustrator.

With acrylic medium, I like to paint on non-traditional canvases such as clothing, sneakers, and handbags. I actually recently painted a Telfar bag which is now owned by Randi Zuckerberg! I have also been getting into creating mural work for public displays.

Another digital medium that I create is digital content! I just launched a Youtube channel where I talk about my personal journey as a full-time artist, sharing tips and resources for other creative entrepreneurs. I accompany this by posting consistently on Instagram and TikTok as well.

What are you currently working on?

I just launched my updated website and am now working toward creating pattern collections for next summer, as well as holiday items to sell in my Etsy shop (stickers, art prints, and greeting cards). I am also planning on creating a large mural in my home office to bring some colour into my physical space!

Where can we find your work?

Website | Instagram | Etsy shop | Youtube

The post “A Day in the Life” with Illustrator Saphera Peters appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Scott’s artistic talents have taken him from photographing race cars, models, and food (yum, yum) to practically everything in between, but ultimately he ended up drawing the characters of Lulu and Maxwell as his first attempt at a children’s book. Whatever the medium, he thinks like an artist, he acts like an artist (he can be a little dramatic at times), and he sees the world as an artist.

For years, I’ve called him up, saying “Scott, I need you to draw this for me to go along with something I’m writing,” and within a few hours, he’s fulfilled my request. To this day, he still comes through with these fantastic creations for our promos, fan shout-outs, etc.

The craziest thing about Scott’s illustrations is that he draws solely using his computer mouse. His process is amazing to watch and extremely time-consuming. Other artists are in awe of his technique. Unfortunately, during the creation of our MONDAY book his program crashed, and because his work wasn’t backed up, he had to redraw half of the book from memory. He ended up redrawing it in half the time it took to create the original. He’s just that good!

I hope you appreciate all of the time, effort, love, and attention to detail (as seen in the many creatures of the aquarium) that Scott has put into our series to make it the best Canadian children’s book series out there. Check out some of his earlier artwork by going to the “Cookie crumbs” tab on our website.

Written by L.S. Miller – writer

Which hood are you in?

I live and work in Toronto, Avenue Rd. and Eglinton.

What do you do?

I’m an illustrator, graphic artist and photographer.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on the storyboard for a new children’s book series that focuses on a new attraction in Toronto, Little Canada.

Where can we find your work?

The complete series of books is available at Little Canada, 10 Dundas St. E in the Little Things Gift Shop or by going to the website.

The post “A Day in the Life” with illustrator, graphic artist and photographer, Scott Allen Hill appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

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Which ’hood are you in?

I live in Cabbagetown.

What do you do?

I do freelance Illustration and graphic design, semi-retired but doing commissions when asked. I’m also a certified Spin Instructor, now leading Spin on Zoom for winter training for riders signed up for the annual Friends For Life Bike Rally to Montreal. And when life returns to normal I’ll return to leading tours and doing graphic work for the Cabbagetown Preservation Association.

What are you currently working on?

At the moment I’m working on a couple of illustration commissions and spending more time sketching and expanding my art with traditional media after working digitally for the last twenty five years – with a nice push from Inktober.

Where can we find your work?

My website and I have a page at CAPIC.org

The post “A Day in the Life” with graphic designer and illustrator, Stephen Yeates. appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Sarah Alinia Ziazi recently completed an ephemeral mural series entitled “Primary Idols” at The Drake this past December 2021, and it’s currently on view for the public. This tryptic of mirrored paintings embody self-acceptance through three primary colours. Symbolism is a big part of her art practice, and each work has its unique language. As a woman of colour, Sarah understands how to strategically use her background as an advantage to promote a healthy representation for all people. Her artwork embodies the intersectionality between the female form and deeply personal themes of race relations.

Hidden meanings and messages are always evident in Sarah’s illustrations, and every time she completes a new painting, I look forward to piecing a new puzzle to her life story.

-Written by a colleague and friend.

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Which ‘hood are you in?

Scarborough!

What do you do?

I am an Illustrator and Muralist.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m working on some editorial illustrative work for clients and I’m in the process of opening an online shop to sell prints. I’m also a Marketing Assistant for an amazing non-profit arts organization called Scarborough Arts. I’m so grateful to be learning from such a supportive and intelligent team!

Where can we find your work?

My work can be viewed on my website and my Instagram

The post “A Day in The Life” with illustrator and muralist, Sarah Alinia Ziazi appeared first on Toronto Guardian.