Taking the pulse with Laura Horrocks-Denis

Laura Horrocks-Denis, winner in the 2026 Applied Arts Young Blood Illustration Awards, was recognized for her illustrations in Les Aventures de Lola Tamia by author Pierrette Dubé, published by la courte échelle. Her first illustrated children’s book, the project highlights a playful yet emotionally charged visual storytelling approach.

Explore the creative process, artistic influences and quiet moments shaping Laura Horrocks-Denis’ work in this exclusive interview.

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

My creative process moves between excitement and fear, boldness and perfectionism, and ultimately, letting go. I start by jotting down words that resonate with me, colours I want to explore, and feelings I hope to convey. I scratch at the surface, take walks, sit with the text in silence, and gradually break the manuscript down into a visual rhythm that feels both balanced and engaging.

From there, I start sketching—usually on Procreate with my iPad, with my favourite jazz playing to get me in the groove. Once the compositions feel right, I trace them onto paper and shift to traditional media like pencil, gouache and charcoal, as I’m drawn to the depth of handmade marks. I then scan my drawings into Photoshop to refine them, clean them up, and sometimes assemble the final illustrations digitally.

What inspires you?

I’ve kept a childlike sense of wonder when I look at the world, and I’m inspired by all of nature and its cycles. I’m easily drawn to beauty and humour amidst the frenzy of our lives. In that sense, art becomes a way for me to translate whatever pulls at my heartstrings, and to transform grief into something that helps me find light when I feel lost.

How would you describe your artistic style?

Delicate and full of whimsy.

What is your dream work environment?

My dream work environment is a little den of my own, close to nature and far from the bustle of life. I need solitude and quiet to create, while having everything I love close by: books, flowers, and tea.

I’m very close to settling into my dream studio at home in the country, which I’ve been renovating for the better part of a year. It’s filled with light, and though it’s a semi-basement, I laugh when I realize I’m partly underground—like the chipmunk living right outside my window. Lola Tamia and I are not that different.

IG: @atelier.laurahd  | W: laurahd.ca 

With a distinctive voice already emerging in illustration, Laura Horrocks-Denis shows clear talent and emotional range in her work. With a strong debut behind her, the future ahead feels wide open.