Alissa Thaler – World Illustration Awards

2024 | Longlist + Shortlist | Site Specific

pronoun
she/her
Why did you create this work?
I had the incredible opportunity to design a celebratory bus wrap honouring the 60th anniversary of the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott. My work was chosen as the winner of a community wide open call for designs. The brief was to not only celebrate one of the most important historic moments for British race relations, but to also create a tool for education about the Boycott and its heroes.
How were your illustrations used?
My illustrations, recounting the key moments and heroes of the Boycott, were used on a special Bus livery for the Bristol First Bus Group. The bus is now driving along various routes in Bristol for the next 12 months. It also drove some of the heroes of the Boycott and their families to meet Sir Keir Starmer in Westminster, where they were honoured for their work.
What materials and techniques did you use?
I drew most of the illustrations in Adobe Illustrator and later added textured details in Photoshop. Historic photography and news cuttings were used as reference materials for the portraits of the people on the frontline of the boycott. The design was then printed on vinyl and applied to the bus.
Was this project commissioned?
Commissioned
Commissioner Name
First Bus West of England, Curiosity UnLtd, Bristol Ideas
Commissioner Company
First Bus West of England, Curiosity UnLtd, Bristol Ideas
Commissioner Instagram
@firstwestofengland, @curiosity_unltd @bristolideas
Who was the work commissioned for?
First Bus West of England, Curiosity UnLtd, Bristol Ideas
Personal Website or Portfolio Link
alissathaler.com
Instagram
instagram.com/alissa.thaler_illustrator/
X (formerly Twitter)
twitter.com/Alissa_Thaler
Biography
Alissa is an Italian illustrator and animator based in Bristol, UK. Drawing on a background in branding and advertising, she illustrates vibrant, heartfelt, and thought-provoking scenes across editorial, publishing, brand and motion. Her work is always beaming with colour and textures reminiscing of paint rollers and pencils. Recent clients include The Guardian Labs, The BMJ and World MS Day.
Where are you currently based?
United Kingdom (UK)

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