Introducing my latest obsession: cute art finds. Everything from art prints to keychains to enamel pins, if I spy something that fits my vibe or illustrates one of my favourite fictional characters, I buy it immediately (just ask my bank account).
I initially went to my first art market in August — Tomo Arts Market — to get my hands on some pins by Birduyen. But I came home with a whole lot more.
When I first started scouting for little collectibles and art finds, Instagram was the easiest place to look. The only problem was that many of my favourite artists were based in the U.S. or elsewhere, making it difficult to buy from them. So, imagine my excitement when I finally found an artist making cute enamel pins in Canada!
At the Tomo Arts Market, I discovered so many amazing artists and treated myself (perhaps too much) to everything I wanted. I had the time of my life, and my obsession with little pins and prints has since grown.
I now have enamel pins decorating my bulletin board, keychains on every purse, art prints of varying styles adorning my room walls, and a beaded bracelet I wear every day. It’s pretty awesome.
Why Independent Artists?
Buying from independent artists is a great way to support your community. You’ll be helping artists make a living and helping them reach new audiences (“Thanks to you, someone can eat dinner tonight,” I joked, though accurately, with a friend after she bought a piece from an artist). Flaunting their pieces, whether on the go or in your home, will start conversations and help their names become known.
Not only will you be supporting the hard-working artists in your community, but you’ll also be supporting art as a whole. You can actively expose yourself to various styles and cultures and diversify your taste within the art scene.
Art, of course, is one of the best things about this world, and no matter its form, we all love it in one way or another. So why not support the cause?
Plus, if you’re simply looking for unique pieces with personal touches, small artists are the way to go. Like I said before, I was able to find pieces inspired by my favourite TV shows, movies, and other pop culture references. You can’t find work done by these independent artists anywhere else.
If you don’t know where to start, have no fear. Here are some of my favourite independent artists in Canada that you should definitely check out:
Birduyen
Birduyen is an artist who can be found at many markets and conventions in Toronto. She is very popular, with 400k followers on Instagram, and rightfully so: her art style is absolutely adorable, and her designs — whether as enamel pins or stickers — are cute enough to put anywhere.
Her stock has numerous designs that everyone will love, ranging from shows we all watched as kids like Max and Ruby, Angelina Ballerina, and Strawberry Shortcake (the beloved 2003 version) to recent faves produced by Studio Ghibli.
I have a string of her enamel pins on the strap of one of my purses and a bunch on a little bulletin board in my room. Needless to say, they spruce up my space and make me smile.
Stickers By Suzie
If you love cute things, never fear, for Stickers By Suzie is here! Her art has a wide range, from Sanrio to anime to charming originals with animals of all kinds (who doesn’t love a crying bunny or dressed-up cat?).
Lucky for those of us at Toronto Metropolitan University, she sometimes tables on campus, making it easy for us to explore her beautiful designs.
These designs can be found on phone charms, prints (I have one with a frog chilling on a lily pad, whose relaxation I strive to achieve), phone grips, keychains (my cowboy cat keychain is my emotional support), and more.
Yuari Kim
I first saw Yuari Kim’s art at the Tomo Arts Market, and immediately fell in love with it. Her designs are gorgeous, adorable, and elegant. Her art style brings out the beauty of all her characters, sometimes implementing nature into the design and enhancing the alluring depictions.
I have two of her prints on my wall, and I can’t help but stare at them sometimes. Yes, they are that nice!
This artist’s shop, along with prints and stickers, is stocked with beautiful journals, binders, and pouches/pencil cases — an artist’s dream.
Yomi Honei
With such soft art, Yomi Honei is the artist to check out when you need a little comfort. This artist’s style is very unique, emanating very homebody and cozy vibes. Also fitting are the comforting messages alongside the designs, warming the heart instantly.
With little animals going on picnics, shopping for desserts, and partaking in other calm activities, what more could we ask for?
Other artists
Whether through their websites, Etsy, or art markets, it’s time to scope out some of our local artists and appreciate their amazing work. Trust me, they’re worth checking out.
You can find local artists at places like Tomo Arts Market in Toronto, Mr. Surprise in Scarborough (they always have artist pop-ups), and the Welcome Market in Toronto — to name a few.
So, why not try something new and check out some local artists? Not only will you be helping someone provide for themselves and/or their family, but you might just find something you never knew you wanted.