I Want to Include It All: Alysha Dawn on Illustration and Detail
Alysha’s illustrations have shown up on maps, murals, puzzles, and the walls of Rogers Centre. This week she talks about the tiny details that make her work feel alive.
Alysha Dawn I found my own gift bags in a neighbour's trash on Boxing Day and I loved it. Quote of Alysha Dawn Alysha Dawn's artwork
Your illustrations have found their way onto maps, murals, puzzles, children’s books, packaging, and even the walls of Rogers Centre. Was there a moment when you realized your work could live far beyond the page?
I spent many years designing and illustrating paper goods for stationery companies. Cards, wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., which is where I was able to see my illustrations come to life in a tangible, physical way for the first time. It was a really neat feeling to see my work out in the world. I remember one Christmas going for a walk on Boxing Day and seeing my gift bags out in the trash in front of a neighbour’s houses — that was a special feeling hahah. Jokes aside! It was really cool! I was also really excited to see my illustrations on a candle line at Indigo. When they came out, it felt really exciting because it was one of the first times I was hired to do “my style,” the way that I work naturally. So, I was really appreciative of that project for steering me in a new direction, taking on work that allowed me to be me.
One thing I noticed across your work is that it always feels like there’s something new waiting to be discovered. How do you create illustrations that invite people to keep exploring?
I love, love, love detail! Especially when it has a story behind it. I try to weave lots of little storylines into my work that are connected to a place. Sometimes I will bring things in that felt significant to me when visiting a place, or I will try to pull those little moments that often are not talked about out of other people. A huge squirrel eating a piece of pizza, a little boy holding hands with his mom, plants that are native to an area. A neighbourhood cat! I want to include it all!
Your work feels joyful, playful, and full of possibility. Is it ever challenging to create that sense of wonder when you’re working to a deadline or through a difficult season?
Thank you for saying that! I think because it is my way of being in the world, I don’t find it difficult. If anything, I find it difficult to not look for those things, if that makes sense. I find a lot of joy in going for strolls, often taking the same routes and noticing new things each time. Sweet moments are everywhere: a new bloom, a new cat visitor in our backyard, colourful houses painted with the most perfect colour combination.
From publishers and tourism organizations to brands and public spaces, your work has taken many different forms. What have the best creative collaborations taught you?
I am so grateful to have so many really great opportunities and to work with lots of lovely people. I think the best collaborations have taught me how important trust is. Some of my favourite work has come from someone reaching out because they already like what I do, and then trusting me to take an idea and run with it. Having that freedom to do my thing usually brings out my best work. There’s something really special about that process, and I love being able to share that excitement with the people I’m working with.
Looking back, what opportunity surprised you most or took your career in a direction you never expected?
Actually, just recently, an art agent reached out to me to ask me if I would be interested in being repp’d by them. They thought I would make a great fit. It really surprised me because when I checked my email, I had reached out to them in 2013 and again in 2020 to inquire. So I was really excited/surprised when I heard from them. Still am!
What are you most curious about right now?
Garbage? On my strolls, I often find myself looking at houses. Noticing lawn ornaments, little hints of personality from the homeowner. I wonder what they do and build a lil’ story in my brain about the person that lives there. And I also feel that way about garbage. I wonder where it came from. Who does it belong to? What’s its story? How filthy we are. etc. But also, garbage is really beautiful too. I’m reminded of this while collecting sea glass and treasures that I find washed up from the ocean over the past few summers in PEI. I found yellow sea glass this year, which I’m still vibin’ on.
Bonus Question: Your illustrations have become maps, murals, puzzles, books, and products. Has there been a moment when you came across your work in the wild and thought, “I can't believe that's mine?”
I think my mural at the Rogers Centre in Toronto was really cool to see. When I visited it for the first time, there were kids pointing to different places and interacting with it. We also saw people taking photographs with it, and that made me really happy and just super cool to see the joy it was bringing. I often don’t get to see that kind of feedback, so that felt great!
Alysha’s approach to illustration starts with noticing the small, specific details other people walk past: a squirrel eating pizza, a neighbourhood cat, the exact colour combination on a stranger’s house, and weaving them into work that feels alive. The detail isn’t a distraction from the story. It is the story.
To see more of Alysha's beautiful work, check out her website: https://alyshadawn.com/
This series works because people keep pointing me toward the next great conversation. If someone’s creativity has been inspiring you lately, tell me who they are. I’d love to talk to them next.
Until next week, Christine
