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For this month’s feature, WANT had the pleasure of meeting with Elise Conlin, a Toronto-based illustrator and mural artist whose bold, playful, and colorful designs energize the city’s walls and storefronts, like an open invitation to smile. Conversation with an artist bringing her joyful touch to make her community a better place.

I imagine you grew up drawing, but can you tell us about the moment you knew you wanted to make it your profession?

Drawing and creating art have been constants throughout my life. At one point, I considered going into the sciences, but a setback limited my ability to focus on it and see it as a viable career path. During that challenging time, creating art helped me overcome those difficulties, and it seemed natural to continue on that path, even if I didn’t know where it would take me. 

How would you describe your style? Did you explore many different approaches before finding “it” (if such a thing exists)?

My style is always changing, and I’m forever being influenced. I still struggle with finding “it” and often need to remind myself to look inward to create truly authentic work. Coming from an illustration background, I’m accustomed to prioritizing a client’s need, so creating something purely for myself is something I’m not used to. Still, pushing my style forward requires introspection, and I’m excited to keep experimenting with many different mediums to keep rediscovering my voice. 

You’re also a mural artist, with your work featured on walls and storefronts across Toronto. What message or feeling do you hope people take away from your art?

I hope that when people see my work, they’re reminded to bring a little more playfulness into their lives. I think life can weigh on us sometimes, and we all could use a reminder to embrace moments of play and joy.

What inspires you in life?

I’m always inspired by other artists and their dedication to their craft. Colour is a major source of inspiration for me — its relationships and interactions fascinate me. What happens when you put two colours next to each other? Why does one give a particular reaction? I’m also drawn to sewing, patchwork, and the idea of repair, as well as exploring the intersection of art and craft, and finding ways to intertwine my practices. I’m inspired by natural forms, old packaging, and hand lettering. Ultimately, I think that looking at things in a different way and questioning why I perceive them the way I do, fuels my inspiration.  

We’re thrilled to collaborate with you and can’t wait to see our items personalized by your hand. How do you navigate the significant shift from drawing on large brick walls to designing on small leather goods? How does the change in scale impact your creative process?

When designing on small leather goods, I definitely have to think more in terms of shape and colour and less about intricate details. It’s a fun challenge, and thinking of it in terms of iconography can be helpful. My creative process remains the same: I start with a pencil and paper, letting the ideas flow from there to see where it leads me. The final result is so cute and small, a welcomed change in scale!  

My main character trait: Silliness 

The thing that makes me angry: When I can’t communicate something.  

My hidden talent: I can whistle a tune through my throat (confusing, but that’s what it sounds like.)  

In love, I am: Vulnerable  

In friendship, I am: Lighthearted  

What my friends would say about me: “She doesn’t answer her phone a lot but she will be there.” 

The quality I appreciate most in others: A great sense of humor. 

The smell that moves me: Coffee

The sound I love the most: The trill of a cat.  

The gesture that comforts me: Offering me half of the blanket. 

The ritual that makes me feel good: A morning walk.  

The thing I am most grateful for in my life: My loved ones.  

If I had a superpower, it would be: Invisibility  

I will never forget: Spilling an entire can of blue paint in the back of the car.  

The advice that stayed with me: You don’t have to be precious; you can always paint over it. 

The place where I could see myself living: Amsterdam, for the vibrant arts scene, outdoor activities, and having family nearby.  

The place where I feel best: On my bike. 

The song that soothes me: Homesickness, Pt 2., by Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru  

My idol: Leslie Feist is so raw, poetic, and humble. I’ve adored her for a long time.  

What I most love to do in my free time: Hunt for vintage trinkets or customize clothing.  

My favorite show: Fargo, Season 1. I love a dark dramatic comedy.  

The perfect day: Grabbing coffee with friends, heading to a gallery or market, and finishing off at a cozy restaurant/bar.  

My favorite WANT piece: The Arch XL Smooth leather shoulder bag. 

The project that was the most challenging and how I overcame the difficulties: In late autumn, I painted a triptych mural, trying to finish before the weather turned too cold —all while maneuvering a lift that barely fit into three narrow archways. Painting in the cold isn’t exactly fun, but I finally managed to finish in time to apply an anti-graffiti coating as per the client’s request. Unfortunately, the temperature was too low for the coating to adhere properly, so I had to sand off and repaint that entire area. Doing that in zero-degree weather was challenging, and I couldn’t help but feel like I shouldn’t have made that mistake in the first place. Still, I tried to give myself some grace and appreciate that I learned a lot from this project while creating something I’m proud of.  

What’s changed most in my perception of my work in recent years: My mindset about my style, wanting to create work for myself rather than exclusively for clients, and not being afraid to make mistakes. 

What I love most about what I do: The freedom, the friends I’ve made through murals, and the way I look at my city now. It’s so exciting to walk down the street or an alley and find newly painted artwork, especially if it’s by someone you love or look up to.  

The cause that speaks to me: Making your community a better, more beautiful place.  

An anecdote about behind the scenes of a professional project: Once while I was painting, a tourist came up to me and motioned at his camera, so I assumed he wanted to take my photo. Instead, he took my brush, handed me his camera, and started pretending to paint the mural. I wish I could have seen the final photo; he was so excited.  

The project of my dreams: Painting a big wall abroad with a few friends. 

Follow @eliseconlin on Instagram to know more about her inspirations, passions, projects, and more.