Alysha Dawn is an illustrator based in Toronto
Alysha Dawn is a freelance illustrator based in Toronto, Ontario. She originally studied Graphic Design and then moved on to receive her BAA in Illustration.
Everything Alysha creates has a unique personality.Though she enjoys simplicity, Alysha is also passionate about detail in her work, ensuring that the viewer can discover something new with every glance. She has a passion for bold shapes, bright colours, and zooming in on very busy environments to find the humour or seriousness within a scene.
Here’s where we found out more….
When did you start illustrating?
Before I knew how to read and write, I would make illustrated storybooks and comics with no words. Luckily, my parents held onto some of them, which I have stashed away somewhere. I believe there was one was about a girl who had a pet fish and fed him too much and he grew so large she had to keep him in the bath tub. :)
Who has been the most supportive in your illustration career, perhaps your teacher, family, friends?
I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by extremely supportive people in my life. Family who helped me learn to believe in myself. Friends who have cheered me on and encouraged me to continue making whatever it is I’m going to make. I hold the utmost gratitude to my partner Eric who is my grounding force and makes me coffee every morning!
Did you always think art was something that was going to be a major part of your life?
I always had a clear vision of wanting to be an illustrator. When I was a child, my favourite thing to do was to make my own toys. I had the most fun finding things in my parents’ basement to use to create something new. It was more fun to create than to actually play with the toys afterwards.
What is your favourite subject matter to illustrate?
I love drawing really busy environments with lots of people and things, nature, cities, and animals.
How would you describe your style?
Lots of bright colours, whimsical, detailed, and happy-go-lucky.
What is your favourite collaboration to date?
One of my favourite projects to date would have to be illustrating a mural for the Roger’s Centre in Toronto with RISE Agency. They designed a Park Social lounge and I got to create a 26’ by 8’ mural that pays tribute to the local parks here in Toronto. As an avid park goer, I was very excited to capture all of the essence of many Toronto parks.
What interested you about being represented by Illo Agency?
I’m very excited to be represented by Illo Agency for many reasons. Freelancing can be quite isolating, and I feel more supported and connected when I’m a part of the illo community. I also am looking forward to growing and pushing myself to try new things!
Do you have a favourite author, film director, or designer?
The Wizard of OZ (1939) has always been my favourite movie and book by L.Frank Baum. In art school, I created a series of artworks based off the book and created a detailed illustrated map to accompany it. Fantasia movie (1940) Magical and Theatrical! All the Studio Ghibli movies!
Barbapapa’s New House by Annette Tison & Talus Taylor was a book I couldn’t stop looking at as a kid. My favourite spread to this day is all the details in their own rooms with so many little things to look at.
Marimekko has always inspired me with their patterns and textiles. I have a few of my Nona’s vintage Marimekko towels and I cherish them!
Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?
I’m currently working on a children’s book with a friend of mine which I’m very excited to share hopefully in 2024.
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, do you have a favourite?
I love listening to audiobooks these days but I would say my go-to podcasts are This American Life and Creative Pep Talk
If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]
At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.