Who Am I?

I am a freelance illustrator from Toronto, Ontario, now based in Chicoutimi, Québec. I studied illustration at OCADU in Toronto, and graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Design. During my studies, I had a difficult time figuring out what inspired me. Overtime, I came to realize that nature and children's art were two of the most influential sources of inspiration for myself.

Ever since my graduation almost 3 years ago, I have come to discover that being an illustrator is a very precarious job, but that hasn't stopped me from pursuing my passion, or from looking for ways that I can develop my illustrations into marketable products that people will enjoy.

Now that I live in Chicoutimi, I have had the chance to be exposed to a different environment from that of Toronto. Chicoutimi is much closer to nature, surrounded by parks, and other beautiful villages and cities are only a few hours away. Being here has inspired me to create art inspired by the landscapes and animals.

So, what are Forest Friends pins?

Forest friends pins is a self-initiated project where I will design enamel pins featuring some animals that I have seen in Québec. For me, turning my illustrations into enamel pins is a viable way to turn my work into something marketable. I have seen many others design enamel pins, and it is clear why people like enamel pins so much- they are fun, cute, and each one is unique.

So far I have a few designs featuring birds like the chickadee, goldfinch and dark-eyed junco; I also have a design for a fox. If this campaign is successful, I will look into making other variations. The designs are below:

Why did I start this campaign?

I started this campaign to embark on a new project that I have wanted to do for years, but never had the time or funding to do so. That is where you will come in. All contributions will go towards the production of the enamel pins, packaging design and printing, and costs for advertising. I will be selling these pins via etsy, and marketing them through social media, so paying for advertisements will be necessary. Besides selling the pins online, my goal is to have them sold in small boutiques.

How can you help?

Any monetary contribution, small or big, will be greatly appreciated. But I understand not everyone will have the means to do so, in which case you can also contribute by sharing my campaign via Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, etc....the success of this campaign will rely greatly on this.

I will be sharing the page via:

Instagram @carolinew_illustration

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carolinewillustration

Tumblr: www.carolinewillustration.tumblr.com

What's in it for you?

With your contributions, you can receive some things created by me:

When you make a donation, if you wish to receive any of the perks below, you must select it from the list on the side, otherwise you will just make a donation without receiving a gift in return. These perks are my way of saying thank you for your contribution!

$5- cupcake wallpaper

A cute wallpaper for your computer.

$12- Walrus birthday card

An adorable birthday card featuring a happy walrus. Keep it for yourself, or give it to a loved one!

$20 Fox, Dark-eyed Junco, Goldfinch or Chickadee pin

You choose a pin based on the designs below.

$30- Custom mini pet portrait

I will make a custom portrait of your pet, painted on a 2.5 x 2.5" wooden brooch.

$50- Facebook portrait of you (and your pet)

I will draw a black and white portrait of yourself and your pet for a Facebook profile picture. It will be delivered in jpeg format to you via email.

$80- All 4 pins (Fox, Chickadee, Dark-Eyed-Junco, and Goldfinch)

You will receive all 4 of the pins, based on the designs above.

$100- Puppy Love painting

An original painting, unframed, 9" x 12".

$100- Top Dog painting

An original painting, unframed, 9" x 12".

$200- Custom pet portrait

I will make a custom portrait of your pet, painted on a 8" x 10" canvas.

Thank you so much for your help! :)