Jacqui Oakley is an illustrator who lives & works in Toronto. I love her bright, bold style and the depth and range of her work. Be sure to check out her website. Her hand lettering makes me swoon!

When did you first become interested in illustration?
I fell into illustration quite by chance. Since I was a small kid I always wanted to do art although I didn’t know what “doing art for a job” actually meant. After school I went to university for Art and Art History only to discover that the art portion wasn’t very critical and it wasn’t pushing me enough (I could be quite lazy back then). A good friend was in Sheridan’s illustration program (Oakville, ON.) and I was amazed by the use of experimentation in media and concept while balancing it all out with a foundation of life drawing and classic art skills. Once I got into the program I was drawn to the fact that illustration communicated with a larger world audience and tackled modern day issues. The combination of art and commentary really appealed to me.

When did you decide to make it your career?
When I graduated, it really seemed like the only choice. It was hard going at first, I waitressed for a while while trying to get my work out there and also working on my ‘style’. When I graduated I didn’t yet have a portfolio I was really proud of. Living in Toronto, I was lucky to be surrounded by a group of peers from school who were also trying to take a stab at freelancing, so we ended up challenging and encouraging each other. I don’t think I could have stuck through the tougher early years if it wasn’t for them. Running your own business takes time to get your name out there; just knowing that people have a similar excitement about art, collaborating on shows together and having the knowledge that you’re not the only one who’s having a bit of a struggle, really helps.

Who would you say has provided the biggest source of inspiration in your life? Why & how do they inspire you?
I think the biggest inspiration in my life has been my parents and the childhood they gave to me. I grew up in different parts of the world (Africa, England, the Middle East and Canada) and I think the world around me was constantly exciting and changing. I think it trained me to look closer at things around me and appreciate. I often wonder if it’s why my work is filled with pattern and colour. Whenever I try to simplify it just creeps back in there! To this day travel is not only a welcome relief from my regular routine but it always refreshes my need to make art.

Also, if I was to pick someone, I would say my Grandma Irene. She has an outgoing fearless personality I’ve always envied. She’s also is a constant learner. She learned to swim when she was 65 just so she could join us in the pool in the Middle East. A few months away from 90 yrs old she still goes dancing 4 times a week and swims on the off days, How can that not be inspiring? I could barely do that at my age!

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