Meet Vivian Rosas a Toronto-based multidisciplinary illustrator, dancer, and muralist.
As a queer Mestizx/Latinx artist, her work centers themes of empowerment, joy, and radical inclusivity, while celebrating underrepresented communities through bold, stylized imagery.
This year's Free to Be campaign features Vivian Rosas a Toronto-based multidisciplinary illustrator, dancer, and muralist. As a queer Mestizx/Latinx artist, her work centers themes of empowerment, joy, and radical inclusivity, while celebrating underrepresented communities through bold, stylized imagery. Movement, play, and dance thread through much of her work, expressing a hopeful vision of a more just and vibrant future.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first got into art?
A: It’s kind of the classic story: I grew up drawing all the time, and filled sketchbooks as a kid, copying anime characters into their pages. My siblings were super encouraging and took me to art galleries and bought me all kinds of art supplies from a young age. I grew up dreaming of being an artist until I decided to go to OCAD U for Illustration, and I’ve been working ever since!
Q: Who or what are your biggest influences and inspirations in your artistic journey?
A: Early on my sister and brother were massive influences in my journey. If it weren’t for them paving the path I wouldn’t have even let myself dream of a creative life. There’s a big age difference between us so I really looked up to both of them. I wanted to be like them but make my own way too. They were creatives in the music/theatre/writing/film worlds so naturally I chose to go the visual art route instead. Now I would say my biggest inspirations are music, dancers and my friends. I love surrounding myself with people who are passionate and creatively driven, it inspires me to keep moving forward and dreaming bigger.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators and designers who are just starting out in their careers? Are there any lessons you've learned along the way that you would like to share?
A: Find what makes you excited, and curious and then incorporate it into what you create. I’ll help you make work that represents and shows your unique voice. It will help you stand out. I’d also say don’t be afraid to reach out to other illustrators or designers you admire or who have been working longer than you for advice and pointers. It never hurts to ask questions and be open to new connections.
Q: What do you love most about being an illustrator + designer? What keeps you motivated?
A: I love getting to build beautiful images of the world I live in and dream of through my illustrations. I also love getting to work for myself and having control over my schedule and what projects I take on. It’s motivating to get to work on projects that feel aligned with my values and that I feel passionate about.
Q: What mediums and techniques do you most enjoy working with, and why?
A: I love working digitally for the ease and efficiency of it. But I also deeply love printed techniques like screen-printing and block printing. There’s something so satisfying about the imperfections that come with printing that don’t really come through my digital work.
Q: Is there a specific project that you’re especially proud of?
A: I’m really proud of my Sephora Pride campaign from 2024. It was so fun to get to draw empowered queer people feeling good about themselves and embracing their identities. I also loved getting to some simple frame by frame animation for the social post.
Q: What message or emotion do you hope to convey through your art?
A: I hope to convey radical joy through my work, it’s so important to me.
Q: What gets you in the groove when you’re designing/drawing?
A: DJ mixes always get me locked in when I’m drawing and ideating, but when I’m just on autopilot drawing mode, I love a good podcast.
Q: Favourite music/artist/genre to listen to while you’re designing/drawing?
A: Oh it’s hard to choose—it definitely depends on my mood or the season. Sometimes it’s a calming downtempo vibe, but more often than not, it’s a groovier, uplifting house mood.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice as a mentor, what would it be?
A: Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your talents as an artist. Read those contracts with a fine tooth comb, negotiate fees and make sure you get paid!
Q: How do you like to celebrate Pride and what is your favourite thing about Pride?
A: Pride is about celebrating with my nearest and dearest. My favourite thing about Pride is getting together with my friends to play and dance to fun queer music and just getting to be ourselves, wearing what we want and having fun.
Q: What does “Free to Be” mean to you?
A: To me, “Free to Be” means feeling empowered to be who or what you want to be in this world. The freedom to be yourself and embracing that choice.
Q: 5 things you can’t live without?
A: Music, Friends, Family, my bike, and smoothies.
Q: If you’re not in front of a computer, what do you like doing and where are you hanging out?
A: If I’m not in front of a computer, I’m usually out for a bike ride or walking to a park to draw or read a book.
Q: If you’re hosting a dinner party, what’s your signature dish?
A: Tacos and fried sweet plantain :)
Q: If you’re shaking up a cocktail, what would it be?
A: Aperol spritz
Q: What’s the next thing you’re knocking off your bucket list?
A: Designing and making 3D public art!
Learn more about the "Free to Be" campaign here or head to your nearest Freehouse Collective location for more information.
