Overview
Hello! I’m Alena, an illustrator and artist based in Vancouver, Canada, with a passion for visual storytelling.
I create vibrant, emotionally rich artwork for book covers and interior illustrations across genres like fantasy, young adult (YA), romance, contemporary fiction, and LGBTQ+ literature. My work is inspiring, playful, and concept-driven, blending fine art with bold narrative clarity to support powerful stories and memorable characters.
I hold a BFA from Emily Carr University, where I explored the intricate relationship between text and image, a foundation that now fuels my work with authors. Whether it's hand-drawn lettering, expressive portraiture, or layered visual metaphors, my goal is to translate intangible feelings, themes, and stories into impactful, visually striking artwork that captures the heart of each story.
Before going freelance, I was an art director at a graphic design studio, where I developed expertise in composition, branding, and typography. I’ve also worked in the film industry, specializing in scenic painting, set decoration, and prop design, which has given me a unique approach to crafting immersive worlds, whether on the page or on screen. I work with my clients to bring their vision to life, balancing creativity and marketability and ensuring the artwork speaks to the target audience.
If you're looking for an illustrator who can bring artwork that is full of life, rich in depth, and beautifully yours, let’s work together to make something that speaks volumes.
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MY PROCESS:
Preparation — I begin with in-depth research and close collaboration, pulling key themes and emotional cues from your manuscript to create artwork that’s meaningful and aligned with your story.
Illumination — Within 5–7 business days, I’ll share 3–4 initial concepts to explore the visual direction together.
Evaluation — Once we choose a direction, I refine it into a detailed sketch. You’ll have the chance to review and suggest revisions before we move forward.
Elaboration — Here’s where the magic happens. I transform the finalized sketch into a polished, fully realized illustration. Midway through, we’ll regroup to ensure the piece is aligned with your vision and make any final tweaks needed before delivery.
Services
Fiction
Certifications
- Fine Arts Degree - Drawing Major, Typography Minor
- Art Director
- Graphic Designer
Work experience
Film Industry
Ecstatic Graphic Design Studio
Self-employed