Alanna Cavanagh, a Toronto-based illustrator and printmaker, has a knack for giving personality to inanimate objects like toasters and cheese graters. For example, her squiggly, quirky line drawings of red scissors are sure to bring whimsy to any wall. Alanna is also known for her charming illustrations for clients such as Target, NY Times, Chronicle Books, Real Simple and many more. Check out her equally delightful 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Quirky, Squiggly, 1950ish.
2. Who is your creative role model?
Too many to mention. A partial list:
Denyse Schmidt, Miroslav Sasek, Leann Shapton, Andy Spade, Sally Potter, Paul Rand, John Derian, Philip Glass, Tina Fey.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
Learn to sew.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
Like most creative people I adore New York plus designy centres like Berlin + Stockholm, but right now I’d have to say Toronto (where I live).
We’re going through a real creative blossoming with new stuff popping up every month – like our beautiful new Bell Lightbox. At the moment I have a big crush on my city. Come visit!
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Work on a loom making a rug. I think it’d be very meditative and a welcome antidote to our over stimulated, buzzy world.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Hand stitched needlepoint pillows.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
A 19th century pine jam cupboard from Quebec. It’s got alotta soul.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
From Twyla Tharp:
“The two things that will affect your life most profoundly are the books you read and the people you meet”.
From Philip Glass:
“The best way to continue to grow as an artist is through collaboration.”
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
swissmiss – that usually leads to a bunch of other great ones!
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When I can’t look at it anymore.
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