I’m an honours graduate from OCAD illustration and am the perfect combination of artist and designer. I spent eight years in-house as a Senior Designer in Nelvana Animation’s Creative Services. So I also know my way around marketing and licensing for the toy and children's entertainment industry.
I have had the pleasure of working with clients such as Disney/Pixar, Nickelodeon, The Wall Street Journal, Taco Bell, Cadbury, Coca Cola, Scholastic, Penguin Books, and Absolut Vodka. My work has been recognized by Communication Arts, American Illustration and HOW Magazine. Fun fact: I was once a serving wench at Medieval Times! More ale m’lord?
80+
HAPPY CLIENTS
20
YEARS IN BUSINESS
8
AWARDS
200+
OVERALL PROJECTS
" When we began the process of looking for an illustrator for this book, Alana’s vibrant style made her work distinct. Bringing Alana’s inspired illustrations and professional approach to this team has been remarkable. In addition to her talent, Alana is a creative collaborator who is both responsive and responsible. Working with her on Strum and The Wild Turkeys has been such a celebration of what can happen when someone breathes in your ideas and brings your vision to life in an even more vivid way than could have been imagined. I can’t wait to share our book with the world."
"Alana, you are awesome! Working with you was amazing! Your creativity, attention to detail, ease of communication, and talent were perfect for this project. As you created the look of the characters, you really brought them to life and were able to create such a kind friendship vibe with them.The illustrations are engaging and the reviews we have received regarding the illustrations have been 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you for working so hard to make this book the best it can be. I look forward to hiring you for a second Lucy and her Unicorn book and will keep you in mind for anyone looking for a talented illustrator."
"Alana blew me away with her initial sketch for my book, and I knew immediately she was going to create something above and beyond what I'd hoped for - and she did! The cover for my book 'Hummingbird' is incredible, and feedback from a huge number of readers/bloggers during this pre-launch stage confirms they all think it's stunning, too! Alana has been amazing to work with - incredibly knowledgeable, professional, helpful and friendly. I was in very safe hands and I'm thrilled with the result. Thanks, Alana!"
"Alana, I’m obsessed with [my book cover!] I can’t stop staring at it, I honestly have nothing to add or any change requests. This cover truly stands out and will stand out amongst similar covers. I can see people scrolling or strolling and seeing my book and buying it. Most importantly, I think the cover captures the message of the story perfectly.
You truly gave me a great debut cover. I can’t wait to write more stories and if your time permits, I’d love to see your artwork on my covers :) I’m so in love with the cover. It’s perfect!
You’re so amazing!
''Wow downright impressive what Alana can do with an idea. I would definitely hire you again for my future projects. I appreciated your responsiveness, patience and constant idea changes I had.
Alana did a fantastic job and created something more beautiful than I imagined. I think her illustrations will blow my father-in-law away for his surprise birthday present.
If you are reading this, hire her quickly because she is that good!''
AWARDS
2023 Readers Choice Book Award - Lucy and Her Unicorn Get a Sparkle Puppy by Ashley Wall illustrated by Alana McCarthy
2021 Royal Dragonfly Award - A Firefly’s Journey by Kat Rees D’Ambola illustrated by Alana McCarthy - 1st place Best New Author, Fiction, 2nd place for Best Picture Book
2021 American Illustration 40 Chosen Winner - Taco Bell "Dream"
2011 Corus President's Award - Babar & Badou Style Guide
2011 Gemini Award - Best Cross-Platform project for Children and Youth - Babar and Badou Interactive Website
2007 Communication Arts Illustration Annual #48
2007 American Illustration #26 - Chosen
2004 HOW Magazine Design Award
2002 OCAD Illustration - AOCAD with Honours
2002 Applied Arts Award
LET'S WORK TOGETHER!
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Phone 416-979-1936 | Email art@AlanaMcCarthy.com
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SELECTED CLIENTS
Absolut Vodka
Adobe
BBDO
Cadbury Chocolate
Canada’s History
Coca-Cola
Corus Entertainment
Crayola
Disney/Pixar
Dairy Farmers of Canada - Milk
Dr. Scholl's
Fruitopia
Genesys Capital
Gorilla Creatives
Hudson's Bay Company
Intuit / Quickbooks
Kodiak Boots
Leo Burnett
Loblaws
MamaBear Books
Nelson Thomson Learning
Nelvana
Nickelodeon
Owl Magazine
Oxford Press
Paw Patrol
Pearson Education
Penguin Books
President's Choice
Pinnguaq
Reginald Barnes
Rogers Media
Ronald McDonald House
Riverhorse Books
Scholastic
Superbuns
Thomson Financial Media
TBWA / Chiat / Day
Taco Bell
Wall Street Journal
Yowza! Animation
Zellers
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