Taking the Pulse with Madeleine LeBrun

Showcasing the talented Madeleine LeBrun is a first-time entrant to the Applied Arts Illustration Awards. She also earned a Young Blood title for her illustration Dogstacle Course. Since graduating in 2022 from the Faculty of Design in Illustration at OCAD University and winning awards, what keeps the inspiration thriving from this Toronto-based multi-media artist?

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

I maintain a drawing practice in my sketchbook, so that’s where I look first when I need an idea for a project. Then I refine the design as a digital drawing and print it out. I tape the drawing behind a big pane of plexiglass and sculpt with white plasticine overtop. After I’ve photographed the sculpture, I retouch and colour it in Photoshop. I like to think of my process as comprising three distinct steps: drawing, sculpting and editing. I’m always finding new ways to streamline the process, and it’s a fun challenge.

2024 Applied Arts Illustration Awards winning work "Dogstacle Course"

How do you stay creative/inspired?

I try to spend as much time outside as possible - ideally, somewhere there are bugs, birds and plants. When I go for a walk I always try to notice something new in my surroundings, like the shape of an interesting leaf or the colours reflected in a pond. These observations find their way into my drawings later. 

Logo design for CBC Arts,  2024

How would you describe your artistic style?

‘80s stop-motion meets William Morris. There’s a lot of kitsch and humour in my work, but I try to maintain a delicate, decorative quality too. Striking this balance is important for the type of work I want to produce: pictures that convey information while being nice to look at in their own right. I also think the “tactile” quality of my illustrations is attention-grabbing, so I like that my work feels kind of approachable, like you could touch it. I think my work looks friendly!

IG: @haricot_jones
W:  madeleinelebrun.com

We look forward to seeing more of your work Madeleine!