Hello There!
I am an illustrator currently based in Budapest, Hungary (previously Toronto, Canada). Since I was toddler, I was drawn to art and design since I was mute for the first 11 years of my life. Observing and communicating my ideas visually was my main form of self expression. To paint and draw fantastical beings and narratives is what drives me and incapsulates my infinite imagination. I enjoy working on projects related to film/entertainment ranging from conceptualization to character design, and storyboarding. You would catch me using mediums like traditional pastel and ink, or 2D and 3D digital software like Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Procreate and Nomad.
Storytelling is an essential part of my work, and I strive to lure in the viewers, to ignite their imagination and inspire. I draw inspiration from European folklore, mythology, fairytales, anything historical and fantasy works including J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis and Andrzej Sapkowski. I also hold my Hungarian heritage close to my heart, working closely within the local Hungarian communities in Toronto and aiming live in Hungary full time within the film and entertainment industry.
Reach me at:
jennalstokes@gmail.com
@jennastokesart
EDUCATION
HONOURS BACHELOR OF ILLUSTRATION | 2019 - 2023
Sheridan College, Oakville, ON, Canada
CYBER ARTS SPECIALIZED PROGRAM | 2015 - 2019
Don Mills Collegiate Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
EXPERIENCE
Graphic Designer - Internship | 2022 (June - August)
IBI Group, Toronto, ON, Canada
• Collaborate with numerous teams on varying visualization projects for logo and conceptualization
• Independently designed interactive portfolios for conferences and clients using Adobe Indesign.
CHARACTER DESIGNER - Folk Peeps | May 2021 - Present
Toronto, ON, Canada
• Analyzed and constructed creative character concepts directly alongside the creative director for specified projects
• Created over 20 traditional European folk dance character illustrations for clothing and accessory lines to compliment and market online folk dance teaching events
FREELANCE ILLUSTRATOR - Freelance Work | 2017 - Present
• Illustrated logos and merchandise for private events and spaces
• Produced over 20 original game character designs for commissions
EXHIBITIONS
14 Themes - Group Exhibition - Artscape Youngplace, Toronto, ON, Canada April 2022
(curated by Gillian Iles)
Portraits of Resilience - Group Exhibition - Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada March 2018
(with photographer Christine Germano)