Sassy, sometimes sweary, empowering art for fellow truth seekers, black sheep, and like-minded folks who love colour and aren't afraid of being bold.
Hi hi! I’m so glad you stopped by.
I’m Cynthia Frenette — a Canadian illustrator, artist, and creative designer based on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’ve been working full-time in the creative industry since 1991 and licensing my artwork since 2017.
My work is known for bright colour, expressive illustration, happy details, and empowering energy. I create art for fellow truth seekers, black sheep, colour lovers, and brands looking for handmade artwork with personality and whimsy. My illustrations and surface designs are available for art licensing, creative collaborations, editorial projects, and select commissions.
I find inspiration just about everywhere: flowers, retro shoes, tattoos, vintage textiles, mid-century design, tiki and surf culture, English gardens, nature walks, beach days, old movies, typography, handmade treasures, interesting packaging design, and the thrill of a good thrift-store find.
I’m also deeply obsessed with juicy paint textures, vibrant palettes, and creating artwork that feels joyful, bold, and happy.
When I’m working, there’s usually dance or deep house music playing in the background — often the Defected Radio House podcast on repeat — and at least one “dad joke” to crack up my hubby at any given time.
My two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Stella and Chuck, are my full-time studio assistants, professional snack supervisors, and constant sources of happiness and inspiration.
I create both digitally and by hand using tools like Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, alongside traditional materials including mixed media, pencil, paint, watercolour, and anything else that sparks curiosity.
As a note- I DO NOT use AI or any computer-generated art, everything is created by hand by me, either traditionally or digitally.
Thanks for being here and supporting independent art — it truly means the world.
A little more about me
I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember. Art was my safe place growing up — somewhere I could just be me.
Originally, I planned to study fashion design, but at the last minute I followed a different creative path and pursued graphic design instead. In 1991, I earned my Associate in Visual Design certificate from Kwantlen College, in British Columbia.
Over the years, I’ve had the honour of working with clients from around the world, including costume designers, authors, bloggers, artists, card and giftware companies, retail shops, restaurants, publishers, publications, and children’s book writers.
My artwork is known for being colourful, cheerful, and full of happiness — the kind of art that makes people smile. That has always been my goal.
When I’m not creating art, you’ll usually find me walking with my husband and our dogs, Stella and Chuck, painting, or spending time in the garden.
A Few More Creative Highlights
Over the years, I’ve explored many different creative paths and artistic projects, including:
- Illustrating four children’s books
- Designing multiple fabric collections for Cranston/QT Fabrics, Robert Kaufman Fabrics, Northcott, and P&B Textiles
- Creating licensed illustrations featured in department stores and specialty grocery stores
- Designing and selling handmade mosaics at Circle Craft in Vancouver
- Creating hand-drawn chalkboard art and signage for restaurants
- Illustrating craft books and books for teens
- Producing my own greeting card line
- Designing and sewing an independent fashion collection for curvy fashion lovers
From illustration and surface pattern design to fashion, publishing, and handmade art, creativity has always been at the heart of everything I do.
