Interview: Alyah Holmes

Preferred Pronoun?
she/her

Why did you choose to enter this work?
This work means to much to me, and I knew it would resonate with women and those who menstruate everywhere. Period Poverty is a serious issue in where many people cannot afford period products.

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
I loved finding a fun and conceptual way to visualize stats, such as 1 in 4 people who menstruate have had to choose between period products or food.

What excites you most about being shortlisted?
I started entering illustration awards in 2022 and this was my second ever award. It means a lot to have my work recognized and that it touched someone enough to move me forward!

Where do you usually work?
I work in my home office/studio. It consists of a desk, monitor, laptop, ipad, and some funky colorful artwork and decor. I sit in front of a window overlooking the city from my penthouse.

How long did it take to complete your project?
All together probably about 1-2 weeks. Some time for ideation, a day or two for sketching, and a few days to add color and creation the final files.

What is your dream commission?
My dream commission would be for Sephora. I worked as a MAC artist while I was obtaining my design degree, and I still have a passion for cosmetics. So combining beauty and art would be amazing.

What’s your favourite thing to draw?
I love drawing people, its been my favorite thing to doodle since I was a child. I love drawing all different types of people and imagining what their personalities would be like.

What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Believe in yourself and just keep working. When you have a slow period create passion projects, don't doubt yourself because there is someone out there who loves what you do.

What are your plans for the future?
To keep drawing! I am so happy to be finding where I fit in and working with awesome clients steadily. I hope to continue growing my style and brand and building a portfolio I am proud of.


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