Featured: Katy Dockrill

Commissioned by Broadview Magazine. Art directed by Carol Moskot.

Toronto illustrator Katy Dockrill has built her career on curiosity, craft and a love of visual storytelling. Born and raised in the city, Katy’s creative perspective has been shaped by its neighbourhoods.

A graduate of the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD U), Katy explored everything from figure drawing and photography to typography, design and conceptual illustration before launching her career through persistence and hands-on hustle—printing portfolios, meeting art directors and cold-calling editorial departments.

Today, Katy blends her traditional media foundation with a digital-first approach to create expressive, engaging illustrations. Represented by i2i Art Inc., her work continues to connect with audiences across editorial, advertising and design.

Commissioned by Toronto Life. Art directed by Stephanie Firka.

What is your creative process (from idea to finished product)?

My approach always starts with really understanding the material. Sometimes it’s more analytical, sometimes it’s more intuitive, but it usually involves sitting with the story/article for a bit, and drawing whatever comes to mind before real ideas start to show themselves.

Because I’m so used to working with fixed dimensions (spots/full pages, spreads all have a specific size, unless otherwise mentioned), I like to sketch my initial ideas inside that ratio. Working with fixed constraints helps me visualize the composition; strangely enough, it opens up more room for creativity.

I aim for 3 distinct directions. If I’m uninspired, or ideas aren’t presenting themselves, I usually go for a walk and let my mind wander. Once a direction is chosen, after I’ve sent my sketches to the Art Director, I move into final art. I focus on the line first, ensuring it has the right weight and character, and from there I layer in colour. Once final art feels right, I prep the files to whatever format the client needs and send them off. :)

When you think creative process, you don’t usually associate it with the word deadline, but every project has one, and it’s the single most important thing about taking on any assignment. You need to get the job done, but also produce work that you’re proud of. Clear deadlines help me gauge the scope of the project and fuel my creative momentum.

Interior illustration for children’s book City of Water, published by Groundwood Books. Art directed by Nan Frohman and Michael Solomon.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in your field?

Illustration is a business, you have to hustle, and be persistent. When I was in school, I remember this one teacher saying that only 3 of us (out of 30) would make it, and thinking, that has to be wrong, and how dare you! I’ll show you! But it’s hard out there! It’s your own determination and drive that will keep you going. When there are slow patches, it can be hard to enjoy the downtime because you’re fretting about your next job. I’m still giving myself advice about that one :)

Be open to any work, any possibility. You never know where it may lead. The industry is fickle, so staying busy in different ways will keep you sane. You have to be okay spending a lot of time with yourself. It’s an ever-changing business, so be open to adapt. There is no direct path. You have to be disciplined with your time, because you’re your own boss. Cast your net wide to find what works. It’s not just one thing.

Commissioned for the City of Toronto campaign, 'The Right Call’. Art directed by Juliana Martins.

What do you wish people knew about your industry?

Illustration is visual problem solving. I spend a lot of my time thinking about the project even before I start sketching and I usually go through a series of very bad sketches before something starts to work. Basically, there’s a lot of stuff happening behind the scenes before you arrive at the final product.

Cover illustration for Green Cities, published by Owl Kids. Art directed by Stacey Roderick.

What are you working on professionally? Anything outside of the usual?

I’m teaching part time at Sheridan, which has been an interesting shift. I’m usually the one receiving feedback, so stepping into a role where I’m essentially acting as an Art Director—-reviewing sketches, choosing a direction, guiding the project—has given me a brand-new perspective on the creative process. 

Katy Dockrill   W: katydockrill.com  | Instagram: @katy.dockrill  | IN: katydockrill

About i2i Art
i2i Art is an international illustration agency representing artists working across editorial, publishing, advertising, packaging, and brand communications. With a diverse roster of creative talent, the agency helps connect clients with illustrators who bring ideas to life.      W: i2iart.com  |  Instagram: @i2iart  | IN: i2iartinc

Katy Dockrill’s career highlights the value of staying curious, embracing change and continually refining the craft. Through every medium and project, she brings ideas to life with clarity, character and a uniquely personal perspective. We look forward to following her next creative chapter.