An illustration of a person sitting on a sofa, watching a spaceship on a television screen. The TV sits on a bright red sideboard next to a potted plant.

Toronto-based Josh Holinaty's neat, perceptive illustrations

Words: Emily Gosling
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Date: 29 July 2015; Work
Illustration

Josh Holinaty’s no stranger to the little virtual pages of It’s Nice That, having first caught our eye for his asinine humour and kept it there with, in Liv Siddall’s words, his “welcoming, friendly style”. Now we return to the Toronto-based illustrator, who has refined his style to create sharper work that feels perceptive, smart and eminently commissionable. His personal work with “quasi self-portraits” is brilliant; and we love the surreal work for WIRED Germany, where he’s created a moon made of cheese. What will the little blighter think of next?

An illustration of a person in traditional alpine dress standing on a dining table. They hold up a platter of steaming food against a bright yellow starburst. Three other people sit around the table, looking up in surprise. — Above
Josh Holinaty: Roast Beef

An illustration of a person wearing glasses standing at a desk, holding a pencil to their chin in thought. On the desk is a colourful abstract painting, an open sketchbook and various art supplies. — Above
Josh Holinaty: In the studio

An illustration of a giant, cratered wheel of yellow cheese shaped like the moon. A tiny astronaut stands on top, planting a flag. Three people look on from the background as smaller wedges of cheese scatter around the base. — Above
Josh Holinaty: Cheese Moon

An illustration of a hand inserting a book titled “MaddAddam” by “Margaret Atwood” into a VHS player. A screen below shows a stylised blue face, while other books including “Game of Thrones” are stacked on top. — Above
Josh Holinaty: Quill and Quire

An illustration of a person sitting on a dark sofa, watching a spaceship on a television screen. They are in a brightly lit room with a red TV stand, wooden floors and several houseplants. — Above
Josh Holinaty: Living Room

Further Info

www.holinaty.com

About the Author

Emily Gosling

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Emily joined It’s Nice That as Online Editor in the summer of 2014 after four years at Design Week. She is particularly interested in graphic design, branding and music. After working It's Nice That as both Online Editor and Deputy Editor, Emily left the company in 2016.

Toronto-based Josh Holinaty's neat, perceptive illustrations

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