vivian rosas, introducing inclusivity through imagery

Vivian Rosas is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary illustrator, dancer and muralist. As a queer Mestizx/Latinx artist, her work centers themes of empowerment, joy and radical inclusivity, while celebrating underrepresented communities through bold stylized imagery. Movement, play and dance thread through much of her work, expressing a hopeful vision of a more just and vibrant future.

Vivan's work is regularly recognised with awards. We asked her a bit about her art and her process.

What would you say is your best piece of work or collaboration to date, and why?

I'm really proud of my illustration for Sephora's 2024 Pride Campaign. I had the best time drawing empowered queer people just being themselves and embracing their identities. I also loved getting to do some light frame-by-frame animation for the social media post. It felt great to try something new with my work and give it a bit more life.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I love just going for walks around Toronto, whether in nature or on the city streets; it's a very inspiring place. I love seeing all the different people and styles. I take mental pictures for when I'm drawing people later.

Is there anything you'd be a good advocate for? 

In the past I've gotten to work on several pride and queer rights related projects and I feel like I'm a good fit for those as a queer person. It's just one part of my identity but one that I take seriously. I want to see more positive representation out in the world. If I can continue to help bring that to the world then I'm happy.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

I would say I'm able to communicate bold simplicity through my work, if that makes sense. I feel like my work transmits an innate feeling of joy, and the boldness of my colour palettes and simplicity of lines and shapes adds to that.

What is something that clients come back to you for?

As I mentioned, I have had many clients come to me for pride related projects, but I've also had a lot of clients come to me for sporty and athletic illustrations. I've been told I'm good at drawing people in motion – whether they're riding a bike, running or dancing. To sum it up, I think I get approached for a humanistic feeling of belonging and pride.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as colourful, bold, graphic and positive.

Please give a scenario of a dream project that would mean the world to you — something personally meaningful.

I would love to do a pride-related cover for The New Yorker. That's always been the marker that "you made it" in the editorial illustration world. I've been dreaming of doing a TNY cover ever since I was at school for illustration. Definitely a bucket list project.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

I'm working on a graphic archive project about the underground dance community in Toronto, which is very much a labour of love. I'm also diving into the world of 3D where I'm trying to figure out how to translate my illustrative style into functional objects and furniture.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would it be? 

It's a toss up between illustrating a book about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sylvia Rivera. Both very powerful and progressive Latin women who've done so much for their communities. I would be honoured to illustrate them.

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

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