About
Catherine Chan (she/her) is a Toronto-based illustrator with a previous life in project management and technology. She made the leap into the creative world after much deliberation. She credits the professors and instructors at OCAD for setting her up with a strong foundation for career change. She is passionate about humanizing stories and connecting people through her illustrations. Her work explores her relationships as an immigrant, a mother, and a lifelong learner. Her style is narrative, whimsical, and authentic.
When she is not busy making images, you will find her staying active with her family, hosting her Airbnb, volunteering at the food bank, or making pizzas. Her favourite pizza topping combination is bacon, pineapple, and pickled jalapeno.
Education
OCADU, BDes - Illustration
University of Toronto, BSc - Computer Science & Economics
Select Clients
Clinician Business Labs
Demetres
The Globe and Mail
Optimal Performance Consultants
Orca Book Publishers
Owlkids
Slate Asset Management
Tactable
Events
Awards and Recognition
American Illustration 44 CHOSEN Winner (2025)
Communication Arts Illustration Shortlist (2024)
Science Writers and Communicators of Canada: Book Awards Longlist (2023)
The Children's Book Council Hot Off the Press List (2023)
American Illustration 43 CHOSEN Winner (2023)
American Illustration 41 CHOSEN Winner (2022)
American Illustration 40 CHOSEN Winner (2021)
Creative Quarterly 63 Student Runner Up (2021)
Creative Quarterly 62 Student Runner Up (2020)
David Hall-Humpherson Memorial Scholarship (2019)
Client Testimonial
"I had the pleasure of working with Catherine on a special project for our company's 35th anniversary menu. Her organization and attention to detail were truly impressive throughout the process. Not only did she deliver well ahead of the timeline, but she also went above and beyond by thoroughly researching our brand and coming up with creative ideas. I highly recommend Catherine for any creative project, she’s a joy to work with!"
- Karen Geng, Demetres
"Catherine was a dream to work with. Because she is so incredibly organized, I found myself becoming more organized just to keep up with the standard she sets. Her art is amazing (obviously), but her openness to feedback and her creative suggestions made our project really come alive. I would definitely work with her again ... and really hope I get the chance."
- Troy Cunningham, Orca Book Publishers
"We commissioned Catherine to create five original illustrations for a corporate report we were developing, and she was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her receptiveness as a creator and ability to imagine concepts using her authentic style made our creative process together effortless and enjoyable. She is organized, timely, communicative, trustworthy, and her attention to detail is remarkable. We are so lucky to have had the opportunity to collaborate with you, Catherine, and would love to work with you again."
- Karolina Kmiecik, Slate Asset Management
Shows & Projects
2023, Creativity in the Time of COVID-19: Art for Equity and Social Justice, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
2022, OCADU GradeEx 107, Toronto, ON
2022, Major Works: OCADU Illustrative Painting Exhibition at Artscape Youngplace, Toronto, ON
2022, AGO Portraits of Resilience, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, ON
2021, Culture’s Compass 2021 -Navigating the Waves of Change, Humber College, Toronto, ON
2021, Looking Out While Looking In, Exhibition of Collaborative Project (COIL) course between OCAD U and SUNY Geneseo students, Online
2021, Yue Moon: Animated Light with Winnie Truong, Toronto Chinatown
2020, OCADU Collaboration Mural Project 2020
