The Illustrators Who Shaped My Creative Journey

As an illustrator, my work is a reflection of the many influences that have shaped me over the years. Art is a constantly evolving journey, and along the way, I've found inspiration in the work of other artists who have not only challenged the norms of illustration but have also carved out their own unique spaces in the art world. In this post, I want to share with you some of the illustrators who have had a profound impact on my creative process. These artists have inspired me with their innovation, storytelling, and sheer passion for the craft.

1. Abbey Lossing

Abbey Lossing’s illustrations are characterized by their clean lines, bold colors, and dynamic compositions. She often depicts human figures in fluid, expressive poses. Lossing’s work combines simplicity with narrative depth, making her a compelling artist to explore. Her clean lines and minimalist characters immediately drew me in. I realized then that simplicity could carry as much weight as complexity, teaching me that less truly can be more. Her work inspired me to refine my own style, focusing on clarity and impact.

2. Malika Favre

Malika Favre is a French artist of Algerian descent known for her bold and minimalistic style. I first saw Malika Favre’s art during a trip to Paris. Her use of negative space in a piece hanging in a small, chic gallery caught my eye. I was mesmerized by how she could convey so much with so little. It was a turning point for me—I began experimenting with color and space, letting the unseen elements tell their own story.

3. Sara Andreasson

Sara Andreasson is a Swedish illustrator and artist whose work is known for its bright, vivid colors and strong graphic style. Like Favre, Andreasson’s illustrations often focus on the female form and use bold lines and striking color contrasts to create powerful visual narratives.

4. Brolga

I first encountered Brolga’s art as graffiti on a wall in Brooklyn, New York and I instantly fell in love with his colorful and graphic style.

Brolga is an Australian illustrator, designer, and art director known for his distinctive, pop-styled aesthetic artistry. He gained recognition for his large-scale wheat pastes, street art, and murals on the streets of New York. Brolga’s art is characterized by its loud color palettes and blend of traditional and digital techniques.

5. Laurent Durieux

Laurent Durieux is a Belgian artist and illustrator known for his highly detailed, retro-style movie posters and illustrations. His work often features a meticulous attention to detail and a strong sense of storytelling, much like Brolga’s art. Durieux’s style is heavily influenced by mid-century design, with a focus on creating intricate, immersive scenes that transport viewers to another time and place. The intricate details and the way he captured the essence of the film through visual storytelling were awe-inspiring. It made me realize the importance of narrative in illustration, pushing me to embed deeper stories in my art.

6. Steven Harrington

Steven Harrington is a Los Angeles-based artist and designer known for his bright, cartoonish style that combines elements of pop art and psychedelic imagery. His work often features bold lines, vibrant colors, and playful characters, making his art both approachable and visually engaging. His playful, pop culture-inspired pieces were a breath of fresh air, reminding me that art can be fun and lighthearted while still making a statement.

7. Alva Skog

Alva Skog is a Swedish illustrator recognized for her bold, vibrant depictions of people. I first noticed Alva Skog’s bold, exaggerated figures while reading a swedish magazine. Her work challenged traditional beauty standards and celebrated empowerment in a way that felt both fresh and revolutionary. This inspired me to create art that empowers and challenges perceptions, particularly through the depiction of strong, confident figures. Her work is characterized by exaggerated proportions, strong use of color, and a focus on empowerment and individuality.

8. Areeba Siddique

Late one night, I was scrolling through Instagram when I came across Areeba Siddique’s account. Areeba Siddique is a Pakistani illustrator and artist whose work often explores themes of identity, mental health, and the experiences of young Muslim women. Her style is colorful and expressive, with a strong narrative component. Siddique’s art is known for its relatability and the way it captures the complexities of modern life, particularly from the perspective of a young woman navigating cultural expectations.

Her illustrations, which beautifully weave cultural identity into visual art, struck a chord with me. Seeing her work inspired me to delve deeper into my own roots, to bring my cultural experiences into my illustrations in a way that felt authentic and true. It was a turning point, where I began to see my art as a reflection of who I am and where I come from.

9. Mouni Feddag

Mouni Feddag is an Algerian-German illustrator whose work is lively and beautifully colorful. Her ability to capture the vibrancy of everyday life with a whimsical touch resonated with me while finding my identity in the world of digital arts. It reminded me to find inspiration in the ordinary and to celebrate the beauty of community and diversity in my work.

10. Fatima Baig

Fatima Baig is a digital artist known for her vibrant, detailed illustrations that explore themes of spirituality, culture, and identity. Her work often incorporates rich colors and intricate patterns, reflecting her cultural roots. Baig’s art is both visually captivating and deeply meaningful, making her a compelling artist who blends modern digital techniques with traditional influences.