Gradex banner
Faculty of Design

Illustration

In the Illustration program, students learn how to produce images that complement the written word or stand on their own. Students are encouraged to express their individual artistic voice, while examining the world we live in.
divider
Mia Yu
Mia Yu

Illustration

Mia Yu aka. TQ / 达摩桃

““Weirdland” is a series of personal-approached illustrations engaging in between the flow of dream and surreality. In a purpose of exploring subconscious level of humanity, digging into these unknown emotions from parallel spacetime, incorporating... More

Ann Ai
Ann Ai

Illustration

Ann Ai

“"Prayer Garden" is a place where people express their hopes and prayers for the future through the planting of specific flowers, not just as a garden, but as a place of emotion, hope and faith. The theme emphasizes how flowers and natural... More

Ashley Owen
Ashley Owen

Illustration

Ashley Owen

““Canada Rules” explores various laws in Canadian cities and shows humorous ways in which they could be taken at first glance. Exemplifying how they may need revision. ”

Morgan Day
Morgan Day

Illustration

Morgan Day

“The Tower is a series of digital illustrations that takes motifs and symbols from both history and fantasy, twisting mundane experiences of change and mourning into fantastical art. Each work explores different facets of historic Hermeticism and... More

Jinhan Guo
Jinhan Guo

Illustration

Jinhan Guo aka. Hannah

“Nice to meet you, hope you can get to know me through my works! ”

Beier Bao
Beier Bao

Illustration

Beier Bao aka. Bell, Fodil

“In today’s world, the boundaries between reality and the virtual realm of cyberpunk or Sci-fi fiction blur as technological innovation accelerates. In this urban jungle, where the digital and physical intertwine seamlessly, our lives are... More

Xiangru Nie
Xiangru Nie

Illustration

Xiangru Nie aka. Apai

“Step into Summernight explores the symbiotic relationship between human beings and dreams and how dreams can carry the mind to heal the deepest thoughts of the human heart. More

Mio Reynolds
Mio Reynolds

Illustration

Mio Reynolds

““Ways of Time” explores the different ways in which we perceive time using the medium of sequential illustration. My goal is to show the subjectivity of time and in extension, the subjectivity of individual experiences. More

Leon Kim
Leon Kim

Illustration

Leon Kim

“No Swarm Zone is a series of illustrations that employs semi-bug imagery and a cartoonish style to deconstruct toxic norms and trends in South Korea today that hurt the people amid an economic recession and rapid cultural shift. ”

Logan Hyde
Logan Hyde

Illustration

Logan Hyde

“"Posthumous" invents divine beings and spaces that portray the unanswered questions of our earthly existence, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the afterlife and a range of philosophies. Emphasizing the endless possibilities of where we... More

Jiaxin Zou
Jiaxin Zou

Illustration

Jiaxin Zou aka. Flora

“In traditional Chinese mystical stories, women are often portrayed as fair ladies falling in love with scholars, managing households, or seeking revenge for men. This portrayal suggests selfless sacrifice, raising the question: were these women... More

Daniella Sasseville
Daniella Sasseville

Illustration

Daniella Sasseville

“Historical cases of mass hysteria are represented through surreal digital paintings, entertaining the strange deluded perspectives and influences behind them. “Phantasmagoria” brings awareness to a universal pattern of human behaviour. ”

Sofia Sciortino
Sofia Sciortino

Illustration

Sofia Sciortino

“‘The Lives of the Modern Artists’ is a series of works depicting everyday events from a creative perspective. Using slice-of-life illustrations with fantastical aspects, the viewer is transported into the world of an artist, experiencing their... More

Mark Krzepis
Mark Krzepis

Illustration

Mark Krzepis aka. Krzepism

“'PVLPIT' takes motifs from Neoclassical paintings and transforms them into pieces of ephemeral lowbrow illustration. Each work focuses on conventions that both high and low art exploit to reveal a greater human appeal and a commonality in art that... More

Liana Pena
Liana Pena

Illustration

Liana Pena aka. Anarin

“The central theme of my works is coined "Morbid Pastel". It is characterized by the juxtaposition of dark themes and soft palette creating a deceptive colorful atmosphere of subtle horror. ”

Sarah Johnston
Sarah Johnston

Illustration

Sarah Johnston

““Time Will Tell” explores futuristic worlds where the currently ordinary is valued for humorously misinterpreted purposes. ”

Chau Phan
Chau Phan

Illustration

Chau Phan aka. Jo.P

“‘Fearland’ highlights the emotion-driven nature of phobias by placing them into an enjoyable setting of theme park, and suggests a secure environment to confront them. ”

Ian Silang
Ian Silang

Illustration

Ian Silang

“Just Another Wild Night in Wizard City explores the themes of urban life, modernization, and conformity using the visual motifs of a medieval fantasy world. The fantasy motif is meant to in part disconnect the events within the illustration from... More

Sarah Leng
Sarah Leng

Illustration

Sarah Leng

“ "Soft Addiction" is an illustration series that explores seemingly harmless behaviors that, when overdone, can lead us away from our genuine desires. Through satirical portrayals, it questions social norms with humor and introspection. More

Leah Chudoba
Leah Chudoba

Illustration

Leah Chudoba

“My multimedia illustrated series, 'Futuristic Fungi', explores potential uses of mycology and imagines the fascinating technological innovations that these organisms may one day allow humans to fully realize. My passion for the scientific field of... More

Alice Sharivker
Alice Sharivker

Illustration

Alice Sharivker

“Through a series of illustrations utilizing experimental media, the viewer will be presented with nostalgic objects and moments of life to home to the popular phrase “to be loved is to be changed. It will show how through time and usage the value... More

Hyesoo Kim
Hyesoo Kim

Illustration

Hyesoo Kim

“Little Big Happiness celebrates small but serene moments in life. Sometimes these small moments of happiness are all that people get to have in our current socio-economic situation, but they help us get through the day and keep one reminded of hope. ”

Mira Armstrong
Mira Armstrong

Illustration

Mira Armstrong

“ANIMAL-LIKE is a series of conceptual-editorial illustrations depicting the contradicting nature of humanity using the guise of animals. The aim is to start a discussion concerning our inconsistencies as a species in a way that mimics educational... More

Jasmine Lesperance
Jasmine Lesperance

Illustration

Jasmine Lesperance

“In "Finding Home", North American Chinese adoptees subjected to China’s One Child Policy are seen exploring and cultivating their identities in their own ways, while creating positive impact on the world around them. The body of work portrays the... More

Dylan Tan
Dylan Tan

Illustration

Dylan Tan aka. Kweikun

“Déjà Vu deconstructs the consequences of overutilized cliches in storytelling media by illustrating self-aware characters that react to their own cliched realities. These subversions hope to encourage the ideation of more creative and original... More

Claudia Mihaila
Claudia Mihaila

Illustration

Claudia Mihaila

“Charted Territories depicts universal experiences and feelings as metaphysical, ancient cities with modern elements to show how they cycle through generations. More

Cuiqi Li
Cuiqi Li

Illustration

Cuiqi Li aka. Cay

“"If We Live in Surrealism World" is a series of challenging daily stereotypes and logic. Inspired by the style of surrealist artists, this series showcases life stories from different surreal worlds, immersing viewers in the first-person... More

Jessica Milar-Bentia
Jessica Milar-Bentia

Illustration

Jessica Milar-Bentia aka. Jess

“Through the use of visual puns and juxtaposition, "Camouflaged" visually delves into the complexities and challenges of modern life and infuses them with animal traits. From the lens of animals to humans, our instincts, behaviors and actions are no... More

Ke Chai
Ke Chai

Illustration

Ke Chai aka. Karina

“"The Wishes" depicts a series of illustrations from traditional Chinese culture in which people symbolize things (animals, plants, objects) as a trust for happiness and give them good expectations based on folk myths and characteristics. These... More

Megan Ranieri
Megan Ranieri

Illustration

Megan Ranieri

““Lavender Menace” depicts how Lesbians and Lesbian identity have been fetishized, sexualized and de-legitimized within popular culture and society. This collection of works imagines a world free of these complications of the male gaze through the... More

Samantha Pasut
Samantha Pasut

Illustration

Samantha Pasut aka. daughterofpicasso

“Monet once said, I must have flowers, always and always. ”

Neon Anthony
Neon Anthony

Illustration

Neon Anthony aka. Kindleddawn

“Sunrise takes Japanese gods and puts them in a futuristic/cyberpunk setting, using their personalities and stories to convey them in concept art. ”

Cristian Chiappetta
Cristian Chiappetta

Illustration

Cristian Chiappetta

““One Man’s Trash” explores the perspective of an hypothetical ecosystem of small creatures burdened with the remnants of our society, attempting to co-exist and survive with what’s been left behind, to varying success. ”

Luis Arjona
Luis Arjona

Illustration

Luis Arjona

“Pageant Is a series of illustrated posters about strange Mexican wrestlers that actually existed within the world of Mexican Lucha libre, the bizarre nature of these characters is visually translated into extravagant and absurd imagery, celebrating... More

Shanae Winslow
Shanae Winslow

Illustration

Shanae Winslow

““Outlier Rodeo” boldly illuminates the unexplored and marginalized people and narratives of the Wild West, casting aside antiquated genre conventions to reveal the raw, diverse, and kick-ass stories often overshadowed by mainstream portrayals. ”

Tom Zhao
Tom Zhao

Illustration

Tom Zhao

“My work takes inspiration from both my Asian heritage and real life events. Taking bits and pieces from worldwide events and exaggerating them helps push my concept art to interesting places while still anchoring it with relatable and grounded... More

Bianca Jones
Bianca Jones

Illustration

Bianca Jones

“Venture into 'The Tales of Nature' where the narrative of familiar folkloric characters reveals the suffering of our natural environment caused by various wicked human activities. As these characters take on the burden of rebuilding their habitat,... More

Jessie Zheng
Jessie Zheng

Illustration

Jessie Zheng

“Nature’s Keepers interprets endangered species and the wildlife conservation efforts that have helped them survive, to encourage empathy and awareness about the differences we can make in the lives of other beings. ”

Jia Lim
Jia Lim

Illustration

Jia Lim

“Their Most Hyped Times depicts introverts' exciting and fulfilling experiences, diverging from a world that exalts extroversion. Introverts often discover their most exhilarating moments, hidden beneath the surface of quieter lifestyles. This... More

Daniel Liu
Daniel Liu

Illustration

Daniel Liu

“I am looking for support or collaboration in hosting my first gallery show next year. The exhibition will be made up of 10 silkscreened pieces on various surfaces such as wood, and paper. The work will be focused on the differences and... More

Sabahat Ahmad
Sabahat Ahmad

Illustration

Sabahat Ahmad aka. MyFictionalArt

“Ceramic Expressions: Bridging Cultures through Illustration enriches the understanding of these pieces as not just objects, but as vessels of culture, history, and artistic expression. More

Arson Vremea
Arson Vremea

Illustration

Arson Vremea

“​The collection of work "Human Shenanigans" is meant to humanise the people of the past. Through the interplay of a contemporary style and historical material these works reveal that the human condition stays the same. And that the modern antics... More

Sarah Park
Sarah Park

Illustration

Sarah Park

“1, 2, Play! describes children’s interpretations of daily life as fictional realms. Thus, taking them on an imaginary adventure letting their thoughts run wild, developing, and growing in artistically inspired ways. ”

Emma Conte
Emma Conte

Illustration

Emma Conte

“'A Woman is a Weapon' depicts the heroism of women through folklore to serve as a collection of female strength, wisdom, and fortitude to celebrate the narrative of heroine bravery in mythological tales. These illustrations pay tribute to the... More

Jehan Salim
Jehan Salim

Illustration

Jehan Salim

““But Where Are You Really From?” explores the illustrator’s mixed Bangladeshi/Filipino heritage through a series of illustrations showcasing ten artists from both sides portraying their lives before they became well known inspired by their works as... More

Amanda Caird
Amanda Caird

Illustration

Amanda Caird aka. crymilk

“Manifestations of the Traumatized Mind is a series of illustrations depicting what the residual symptoms of trauma feel like to survivors. The body of work is created with the goal to educate viewers and to give representation those who struggle... More

Anh-Lin Lagace
Anh-Lin Lagace

Illustration

Anh-Lin Lagace aka. Mooka

“La femme: meurtrière illustrates literary classics to reveal traditional misconceptions surrounding the role of the femme fatale in society, whilst exploring her paradoxical nature that is simultaneously degraded and empowered. More

Qianru Cao
Qianru Cao

Illustration

Qianru Cao aka. Lulu

“Crossing Over draws inspiration from numerous aspects of Chinese Mythology and reimagines new More

Stephen Marrello
Stephen Marrello

Illustration

Stephen Marrello

“Persona explores the intricacies of discreetly communicating queerness through the visual language of semiotics, with camp stylings that emphasize the theatrics of fabricating an identity within different communities. ”

Sydney Allen
Sydney Allen

Illustration

Sydney Allen

“Jubilant Ebony: Redefining Pop Culture delves into the dynamic realm where Black Femininity reshapes societal norms, challenging conventions in beauty standards, cultural identity, and creative expression. This vibrant exploration celebrates its... More

Anoosh Mubashar
Anoosh Mubashar

Illustration

Anoosh Mubashar

“Never Present explores various senses that trigger nostalgia by using symbolic imagery to depict being stuck in the past. ”

Gabby Golec
Gabby Golec

Illustration

Gabby Golec

“Sweet Dreams flips the switch on the varying relationships we have with our bed; exploring the roles, uses, and difficulties we may encounter in these spaces. Desiring somewhere that feels safe and comfortable is a universal experience – and our... More

Ziyi Ding
Ziyi Ding

Illustration

Ziyi Ding aka. daria

“Odd habits lead them energy about 10 examples of historical people who get motivation from odd or unpleasant habits that provide a solid source of spiritual support to achieve their careers to show sometimes bad indulgence can lead to opposite... More

Julia Pedden
Julia Pedden

Illustration

Julia Pedden

“Puzzle Wellness for Mental Illness portrays aspects of mental disorders within a series of illustrated puzzles, drawing upon patterns found in nature to promote healthy coping mechanisms and mental growth. ”

Daniel Hubbarde
Daniel Hubbarde

Illustration

Daniel Hubbarde

“Lost Forever gives new life to unreleased albums, from lost recordings to drama with record labels, these projects were left behind and will never see the light of day. We’re drawn to these albums not just for the music – which doesn’t always live... More

Pirashan Ambihaibahan
Pirashan Ambihaibahan

Illustration

Pirashan Ambihaibahan aka. Piru

“Green Thumbs” is a series following a child who is joined by whimsical plant characters, each teaching them how they survive daily life. Taking inspiration from the various survival mechanisms and lifestyles of these plants, this child learns how... More

Rozalyn Wilson
Rozalyn Wilson

Illustration

Rozalyn Wilson

“'Playtime Contexts' depicts toys amidst the eras in which they were created and/or popularized to explore how toys reflect and influence history. ”

Nik Clydesdale
Nik Clydesdale

View Medal Winners

Illustration

Nik Clydesdale

““Permeability” explores futility through subversive images of the leaky interior/exterior dichotomy, encouraging an embrace of the inevitability of destruction. More

Isabelle Layfield
Isabelle Layfield

Illustration

Isabelle Layfield

“Devotion is a series of risograph prints which ruminates on the importance of platonic relationships. The illustrations are depicted through a medieval fictional lens which draws a comparison between modern friendship and the devout dedication of a... More

Aidan Somerville
Aidan Somerville

Illustration

Aidan Somerville aka. aidan.illu

“A Monstrous Change explores the ways that the perception of childhood warps and changes as people grow up. Using visual metaphors and allegories for childlike and adult experiences in the form of grotesque monsters, the viewer is brought along on a... More

Silka Hartung
Silka Hartung

Illustration

Silka Hartung

“... ”

Nathalia Bedenikovich
Nathalia Bedenikovich

Illustration

Nathalia Bedenikovich

“A well versed artist experienced in detailed digital works, vibrant acrylic paintings and bold mixed media pieces. ”

Yijisoo Choi
Yijisoo Choi

Illustration

Yijisoo Choi aka. Jisoo

“There's a story everywhere. From my sweet perspective, all of that can be beautiful artwork. Storytelling art has the power to evoke emotions and imagination. More

Wendy Zhu
Wendy Zhu

Illustration

Wendy Zhu

“"A Way Of Life" showcases the difficulties of consumption through our environments in moderation, by using atmospheric scenarios of obsession and bring clarity to the influences on our lifestyles. More

Yaqing Liang
Yaqing Liang

Illustration

Yaqing Liang aka. Yasmine

“The overarching theme of practical stress serves as a focal point, prompting viewers to reflect on their own lives and consider the underlying causes and remedies for stress. Each of my illustration themes will delve into socio-urban issues,... More

Geann Gabrielle Gamboa
Geann Gabrielle Gamboa
Lu Zhang
Lu Zhang

Illustration

Lu Zhang

“"Groove Reverie," delves into the journey of a girl's journey from her inner world to the complex but hopeful outer world as she discovers her liberated soul through music. The work is divided into two distinct parts, creating clear contrasts that... More

Rylee Hollis
Rylee Hollis

Illustration

Rylee Hollis

Emma Fan
Emma Fan
Alex Yuting Tao
Alex Yuting Tao

Illustration

Alex Yuting Tao aka. Dagou Tao

“Reigning Cats & Dogs is a hilarious series depicting cats and dogs' distinct universes through biological traits and psychological quirks, showcasing how they see the world and treat their owners differently. ”

Wendy Zou
Wendy Zou

Illustration

Wendy Zou

“"Wild Experiences" explores the similarities between animal and human characteristics, where emotions are not an exclusively human experience. The interconnectedness will bridge the gap between the animal kingdom and us. ”

Xiaotong Zhang
Xiaotong Zhang

Illustration

Xiaotong Zhang

Qi Zhang
Qi Zhang

Illustration

Qi Zhang

“I am a boy who loves video games and comics. More

Mariam Fahmy
Mariam Fahmy
Bonnie Wang
Bonnie Wang

Illustration

Bonnie Wang

“"starry”, self-acceptance helps us enjoy living in the present. Through creating a short illustration book to tell a story to show how people accept themselves to grow stronger. ”

Muskaan Rudhra
Muskaan Rudhra

Illustration

Muskaan Rudhra

““Aj Tak”: Punjabi superstitions illustrated through filmy movie posters with a contemporary twist ”

Lulin Ye
Lulin Ye

Illustration

Lulin Ye

“Celebrates the benefits of being introverted, delving into the idea of allowing introverts to freely enjoy solitude, reduce social inhibition, and potentially reap more benefits for their mental well-being and creativity. ”

Yilin Yang
Yilin Yang

Illustration

Yilin Yang aka. Jephnie

““Grievous Lady” is a series of illustrations about a person suffering from depression. It presents a unique story of struggle by relating the intangibility of recovery to recognizable visual tropes utilizing a combination of lines and colors and... More

Grace Vali
Grace Vali

Illustration

Grace Vali

“"Materialistic Cravings" explores the rise of intertwining desire and consumerism, questioning the attraction towards goods and services that do not always meet our needs. Synthesizing desire with surrealist elements emphasizing the continued... More

Alan Yu
Alan Yu

Illustration

Alan Yu

Zilan Feng
Zilan Feng

Illustration

Zilan Feng

“Drawing is another way to communicate with the world beyond language and words. ”

Xander Wise
Xander Wise
Yudi Cao
Yudi Cao

Illustration

Yudi Cao aka. Withdi

Joyce Wang
Joyce Wang

Illustration

Joyce Wang

“Through the creation of imagery associated with a fictional toy brand, Jitter’s Toybox uses visual metaphor, synthesis and juxtaposition to reconnect with our innate playful nature to cope with the challenges of adulthood. ”

Ivy He
Ivy He

Illustration

Ivy He

“My thesis is to create a narrative illustration series about the zodiac signs, in which all the story will be based on real-life characters and examples, as well as weather terms, legends, and history to show the zodiac concept beyond general... More

Selina You
Selina You

Illustration

Selina You

Guanzhong Chen
Guanzhong Chen

Illustration

Guanzhong Chen

Jack Wang
Jack Wang

Illustration

Jack Wang

Joy Zhang
Joy Zhang

Illustration

Joy Zhang

Asia Haye
Asia Haye
Liwei Ye
Liwei Ye

Illustration

Liwei Ye

Baiyi Wang
Baiyi Wang

Illustration

Baiyi Wang

Emilia Soria Futami
Emilia Soria Futami

Illustration

Emilia Soria Futami

Matino Li
Matino Li

Illustration

Matino Li

Rachel Choy
Rachel Choy

Illustration

Rachel Choy

Eleanor Su
Eleanor Su

Illustration

Eleanor Su

Yetong Qi
Yetong Qi

Illustration

Yetong Qi

Shirley Chen
Shirley Chen

Illustration

Shirley Chen

Xinyu Guan
Xinyu Guan

Illustration

Xinyu Guan

Makenna Rooyakkers
Makenna Rooyakkers

Illustration

Makenna Rooyakkers

Jahid Ifaz
Jahid Ifaz

Illustration

Jahid Ifaz

Vivian Bai
Vivian Bai

Illustration

Vivian Bai

Amy Doh
Amy Doh

Illustration

Amy Doh

Jingyi Zheng
Jingyi Zheng

Illustration

Jingyi Zheng

Celebrate the work of OCAD U’s class of 2023/2024!