Santiago Tkach

I’m a Toronto-based illustrator whose work is shaped by personal experiences and everyday moments. I’m inspired by spending time outdoors and by pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, experiences that often influence the stories I tell. I’m drawn to illustration’s ability to offer new perspectives and help people see the world in new ways. Through my work, I aim to create thoughtful imagery that sparks curiosity and reflection.

Colours in the Dark

A story about stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that many of my strongest memories come from moments when I pushed beyond what felt familiar or safe. This realization became the foundation of the story.

This project was developed as a pitch for potential publishers. The four images shown are fully realized sample spreads that offer a glimpse into how the final book might look. The illustrations combine scanned textures with digital techniques in Photoshop and Procreate, creating layered images that guide viewers and reward them with engaging visual details.

Baywatcher

This illustrated art novel was created in collaboration with my brother, who authored the written narrative. The project explores emotional themes such as loneliness, solitude, and the internal thought patterns that often accompany these states. Rather than illustrating every moment literally, the imagery focuses on capturing the emotional weight and psychological atmosphere of the text.

The project includes 10–12 illustrations that correspond to key moments and emotional shifts within the story. Each image was designed to establish a strong sense of mood and visual cohesion, using atmosphere and symbolism to deepen the narrative and draw the viewer into a quiet, reflective experience.

Atrium Ale House

A branding project inspired by my fascination with architecture and the structures that shape our everyday lives. The project explores the often-overlooked beauty of architectural details and how built environments shape how we move through and experience the world. Architecture also has a long, understated connection to brewing and social drinking spaces, a relationship this project highlights and celebrates.

The goal of Atrium Ale House was to demonstrate my design sensibilities and understanding of branding systems. The project features a series of beers inspired by distinct architectural styles—Beaux-Arts, Art Nouveau, and Victorian—with visual language, tone, and flavour profiles that reflect the character of each movement.