New Artist: Haley Thomas

2 April 2024

Let's get to know new-bee Haley Thomas, character designer and comic artist based in the United States!

Where are you from?
I'm from Gilbert Arizona! I was born and raised here and I still love it! Despite the harsh summers, the weather is absolutely beautiful most of the year.

What inspired you to be an illustrator?
My path to Illustration was a little rocky despite my love for drawing. As a kid, I loved reading picture books and studying the illustrations from them; if it didn't have pictures I wasn't interested! I was also a little copy machine and loved drawing frames from my favorite animated movies. I thought my path was to become an animator since I thought it was the most viable career option, but once I realized I didn't actually like animating, I was torn on what to do. I always knew I liked drawing but I didn't know which path was the way forward. However, when I had the opportunity to Illustrate my first children's book I felt that Illustration was my calling. I watched so many videos about Children's Illustration and advice from Illustrators on youtube, it inspired me to keep going and try to make it in the industry!

How long have you been working as an illustrator?
I'm very new to the Illustration Industry but have been doing freelance art here and there throughout the past 4 years while attending University.

How would you describe your illustration style?
My art is a very anime/cartoon inspired style. I draw a lot of my inspiration from Studio Ghibli, anime, and several comic artists I follow online!

Who/what have been your key influences as an illustrator?
I would say one of my biggest inspirations is Studio Ghibli. The background artwork in their films evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia for me, especially with how the colors and composition are used. It inspires me to emulate a bit of that in my own work.

What types of projects, clients or illustration markets would you like to work in?
I really enjoy working in children's illustration but I would also love to try working on cover illustration and middle-grade projects in the future! I'm always up for a challenge to expand into different markets! As for projects I enjoy drawing anything that includes animals and fantasy themes.

What do you like doing when you are not illustrating?
In my freetime away from drawing I love hanging with friends, practising piano, and sewing cute little creatures out of felt.

If you are interesting in working with Haley, click HERE to get in touch!