About Me
Hi there! My name is Charissa Olano and I am an artist and illustrator passionate about all things art and communication. I recently graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University's (formerly Ryerson University) Creative Industries program where I specialized in Visual Culture, Communications, and Business. Since 2018, I've been producing large-scale digital and traditional artwork for the hospitality industry, and have over 10+ pieces installed in hotels across the United States and Canada. I've worked as a freelance illustrator for the School of Continuing Studies at OCAD and Blackbird Baking Co to create colourful and fresh illustrations that tell a story.
I use Adobe Suite to create digital paintings, illustrations, graphic designs, page layouts, animations, or videos. Dreams are a major source of inspiration, and have influenced my art style as whimsical, quirky, and otherworldly. My subject matter is often figurative and features women transformed in surreal settings.
Through my work, my goal is to share a unique vision, a meaningful story, and create transformative experiences for the viewer; and I aim to experience all aspects of the creative process as an artist, director, or curator.
When I'm not drawing in my sketchbook, you can find me altering clothes on my sewing machine or live-streaming my drawings on Twitch!
Education
2015-2019 Creative Industries, Bachelor of Arts | Toronto Metropolitan University (Formerly Ryerson University)
Selected Group Exhibitions
2023 Love & Friendship Artist Market | Riverdale Hub, Toronto
2022 Yute x Globl Jam Artist Market | Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto
2020 Everywhere/Nowhere Virtual Showcase | Routes In & Soho House, Toronto
2020 Salon Divers | Médiathèque Federico Garcia Lorca, Montpellier, France
2019 Salon of Inclusiveness VI | Black Cat Artspace, Toronto
2019 Creative Industries Showcase | Artscape Daniels Launchpad, Toronto
2018 Creative Industries Coffee House | The Catalyst, Toronto
2018 Creative Industries Showcase | The Globe and Mail, Toronto
2017 Lucid Dream "Artists in Wonderland" | OCAD Great Hall, Toronto
2017 Creative Industries Showcase | The Burroughes Building, Toronto
2016 Creative Industries Showcase | Toronto Creator Space, Toronto
2014 Mosaic Arts Showcase | David Suzuki SS, Brampton
2014 Nuit du Suzuki | David Suzuki SS, Brampton
2012 Mosaic Arts Night | David Suzuki SS, Brampton
Commissions
2023 Yearly Calendar | Blackbird Baking Co., Toronto
2022 Hiring for Decolonization, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Creative Industries Micro-Credential, Digital Illustrations | Continuing Studies OCAD University, Toronto
2022 Career Talks in Art and Design: Speaker Series, Digital Illustration | Continuing Studies OCAD University, Toronto
2022 Navigating Production with the Film and Television Industry in Ontario Micro-Credential, Digital Illustrations | Continuing Studies OCAD University, Toronto
2022 Spring Chalkboard Sign, Illustration | Blackbird Baking Co., Toronto
2018-2022 Art Production, Digital Illustrations and Paintings | DM Art, Toronto
Professional Organizations
2020-2023 Soho House, Toronto
2022 ArtworksTO, Toronto
2020 Soho House x RoutesIn, Toronto
Publications
2020 Birth and Renewal | Humankind Zine
2019 Morning After the Party | The Continuist, Toronto
2019 Self-Love | The Continuist, Toronto
Selected Volunteer
2021 Women Paint Riverside East End Arts, Mural priming | Toronto
2019 ArtWalk in the Square, Event Set-up | Toronto
2018 Miss ACAS, Event Decoration | Toronto
2014 Courtyard Mural | David Suzuki SS, Brampton
2014 First Nations Art Mural | David Suzuki SS, Brampton
2014 "Every Night I Dream of Dancing" | Rotoscope Music Video, Andrew Huang
Keep In Touch
If you like my work, I welcome any projects and other collaborative opportunities. Use the form to inquire more, or just to say hi.