Paytton Ronane

I’m a Toronto-based illustrator from a small town in the Ottawa Valley. A lot of my work draws on themes of nostalgia, nature, and childhood feelings from growing up in a rural area. I use flowing lines, abstract shapes, and natural motifs to create organic and fantastical pieces with strong colour harmonies. I’m most interested in creating illustrations for middle-grade publishing, and while my work is often whimsical, I’m not afraid of tackling darker themes.

Nostalgia Postcards

A series of three postcards that tell the story of my experience with homesickness. When I moved away from my small hometown for college, I was overwhelmed by the scale and chaos of the city. But I found comfort in little pockets of nature. My favourite spot was the creek since it drowned out the sound of traffic; I always found it comforting to visit.

Zoo Guidebook

A guidebook made for the Toronto Zoo’s young visitors that feels lively and exciting, but not overtly childish. Kids are smarter than they are given credit for, and I wanted to make something to help them engage with the exhibits and feel excited to learn about the zoo’s animals.

Space Bears

Two spreads from a children’s textbook set in an alternate universe wherein the planets are giant tardigrades in outer space. The Earth Bear is home to many strange and whimsical creatures like mer-folk and walking trees!

Fallowfield

An original story of mine set in a town much like the one I grew up in. It follows a group of teenagers as they help lost spirits move on with the help of their new ghost friend. Throughout the story, they overcome personal strife, interpersonal conflict, and demonic possessions.

Mothers of Creation

An animatic that depicts the creation of Krafeil—a fantasy world I have been building since 2018. The Mothers of Creation (or the Divine Mothers) are the life-bringers who shape existence through their profound expression of love, dichotomies, and balance.