January, 2010 - Welcome new Toronto Illustrator, Mike Carter! If you aren't familiar with Mike's work, don't miss out! Take a peek right now, and spoil your eyes!

December, 2009 - Anne Stanley has been kind enough to let us know about her upcoming show, the CAPIC Double Vision Portrait Show. Friday December 11, 6-10pm at the Toronto Image Works, 80 Spadina Avenue, Suite 207, Toronto

"We have been paired up: illustrator illustrates photographer and the photographer photographs the illustrator. What fun! You can cast your bean for the pair you like the best. There will be food, wine and lots of interesting conversation!"

November, 2009 - Giovannina Colalillo and Amy De Wolfe are taking part in OCAD's "Whodunnit? Mystery Art Sale", November 18-21 at 100 McCaul St., Toronto. Tickets are onsale now and proceeds to to supplies for students.

Check out the latest Toronto Illustrators Gallery, "Winter Sports".

September, 2009 - Check out our latest Gallery, "Waiting". Some great submissions so be sure to check it out.

August, 2009 - Welcome new member Scot Ritchie!

Check out Rachel Natalie Rawlins printed pieces on display and for sale at Drool at 198 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market.

Please join Patricia Storms in celebrating the launch of her new picture book, ‘The Pirate and the Penguin’. This time she is author as well as illustrator! The launch takes place on Saturday, September 12th, at the Yorkville Library Branch, 22 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, from 2-5pm. There will be plenty of pirate and penguin fun, as well as munchies, cookies and cake. Patricia will be signing copies of her book, so please note that she will only be accepting cash or cheques for those who would like to purchase a copy of her book.

Patricia will also be performing a skit of ‘The Pirate and the Penguin’ at Toronto’s Word on the Street Sunday September 27th, and she will also be signing books and doing a presentation at McNally Robinson in Don Mills on Sunday October 18th, at 3:00pm

July, 2009 - Welcome new members John Stuart and Qin Leng! Also, be sure to check out our latest member Spotlight Feature, Rachel Natalie Rawlins!

June, 2009 - Welcome new members Stefan Valent and Candace Sepulis!

April, 2009 - Patricia Storms has a new illustrated book just out, entitled 'Edward and the Eureka Lucky Wish Company' written by Barbara Todd, and published by Kids Can Press. She's also got a new picture book coming out this fall, in which she is both author and illustrator. The book is called 'The Pirate and the Penguin' and will be published by Owlkids Books.

Patricia Storms has also won for Cartoon of the Year (over 10,000 circulation) for the Ontario Community Newspapers Association 2008 Better Newspaper Awards!

She will also be one of the lucky artists who will be taking part in TD Canadian Children’s Book Week 2009.

...See our older news here!

 



Rachel Natalie Rawlins

Website: www.rachelnatalie.ca
Email:
Phone: (416) 712-7207

Pencil Illustration and Illustration/Design for Children's Books, Book Covers, CD Covers, Magazines, Flyers, Ads, Logos, Print and Web.

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

Around November-December 2005.

2. Who are your biggest influences?

Actually, my influences tend to be great photographers - their work inspires me. I'll look at a
photo and decide that I really really want to draw it, to give it my own expression. However I do
like the work of Jules Arthur and Chris Andrews.

3. What is your work process?

At times I begin by looking for references (a specific pose, expression, etc), depending on the
project. Then I create thumbnails for the various elements of the illustration. And then I put it
all together for one big picture.

Other times, I begin with a specific feature and build around that

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

I think my biggest strength is capturing emotions, attitudes and feelings in my subjects, which are
mostly people.

5. Do you have any formal education in art?

I studied Technical Illustration at Seneca college of Communication Arts.

6. Where do you see the future of illustration?

I think illustration as an industry will continue to grow. There are so many very talented artists
with different styles and approaches to their work, and there are many potential clients for each
of these artists. To me, art and illustration will never die out as though it were in style for
just a moment.

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

Make time to do personal work that you can use to improve your skills and market yourself (I
learned this from another talented and successful illustrator).

8. Last words?

Do what you love, and do it well

See Other Spotlight Profiles!