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An illustration of two monumental figures facing each other within a purple, geometric landscape. Each figure wears a large, stylised animal mask – one a feline and the other a bird – over a dark, human face. Between them, a river of deep blue water flows through a forest of small, colourful conical trees.

Jessica Fortner and her crazy, colourful world of illustrations

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Date
10 May 2013

Insane detail and colour combinations make up Jessica Fortner’s work – an illustrator from Toronto, Canada. Jessica mainly produces visuals for children’s books and editorial and advertising for publications like The New York Times, Digital Arts and Juxtapoz. Whether it’s snakes or a giant igloo, there seems to be a mythical vibe to Jessica’s work that’s reminiscent of ancient civilisations (as with her totemic animal-themed piece for Wrap Magazine). Whether you’re mystically-inclined or otherwise you can’t deny the admirable time and effort channeled into making these wonderful creations.

An illustration of a cube-shaped head floating in dark water. The face is made of tangled yellow noodles with two large eyes, while the top is a crown of pink dominoes.
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Jessica Fortner for FormFiftyFive

An illustration for “The 17th Annual Croquet Ball” featuring a large, textured figure with a head made of architectural blocks. Small white figures carry blocks across a stepped, geometric landscape of purple and tan. Stylised text reads “Make an impact” and “Have an impact”, with a date of “September 8 2012” at the bottom.
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Jessica Fortner for Penfield’s Childen Center

An illustration of a dark green snake entwined within a dense tangle of orange and red patterned snakes. The green snake looks towards the right with a bright yellow eye.
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Jessica Fortner for New York Times

An illustration of a red anatomical heart with a horizontal slit across the middle. A pair of eyes peers out from the opening against a background of swirling blue and white lines. Red and blue braided ropes frame the scene on either side.
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Jessica Fortner: The Sentinel

An illustration of a spherical figure made of ice blocks, wrapped in a thick, purple knitted scarf. A pair of eyes peers out from a gap in the ice, and a small person is visible inside a hollow block.
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Jessica Fortner: Snowball

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About the Author

Holly Wilkins

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