The Walrus is a general interest Canadian magazine that also publishes poetry and fiction.
I created art and design for web and print stories on a range of subjects including: a prolific Canadian short-story writer, bioluminescence, the influence of a neighbour's politics, immigrant rights, Canada's IT problem, and more!
Mavis Gallant [Print]
ILLUSTRATION, EDITORIAL DESIGN
CLIENT + TEAM
The Walrus
Dafna Izenberg (Writer)
When illustrating The Walrus’s June 2025 story of Mavis Gallant’s prolific career, themes of memory, correction and identity fell in front of me as I was exploring her writing.
The article situates these themes in an immersive discussion about Gallant’s oeuvre, reflecting on her early prose and the nuance she became known for.
My illustration aimed to echo that sense of searching and transition, visually complementing her enduring literary voice.
RFK Jr.
“RFK Jr. Is Bad for Canada’s Health Too,” highlighted the tension between public trust and public risk. Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism potentially fuelled a measles resurgence in Canada, a most worrisome prospect given already declining immunisation rates.
My illustration aimed to capture a balance—the seeping of misinformation across borders and the burgeoning threat to collective health.
Indigenous Voters
For Michelle Cyca’s piece on Mark Carney courting Indigenous voters, I approached the artwork with the goal of showing the contrast between polished political messaging and the unresolved realities of sovereignty.
The article critiques Carney’s vague commitments and emphasis on economic reconciliation over genuine rights. The visual comparatively illustrated Carney's gesture against that of his predecessor's and highlighted their party's surface level recognition of the deeper struggles underlying indigenous rights.
Bill 21
For Toula Drimonis’s piece on Bill 21 and Nour Farhat, I focused on the theme of censorship.
The article discusses how Farhat’s expression of faith is restricted by law, despite her qualifications, highlighting the silencing effect of Quebec’s policies.
My artwork aimed to convey the suppression of personal identity, illustrating how legislation can censor not just actions but the visible symbols that define us.
Arctic Sovereignty
For Erin O’Toole’s piece on Arctic sovereignty, I focused on conveying the tension and urgency surrounding Canada’s northern presence. The article highlights how lagging investment in defence and surveillance risks ceding control to other nations.
The visual aimed to capture the stark and fragile Canadian presence against the Arctic landscape, emphasising both its strategic importance and the looming threat of inaction.
Trump's Trade War
While illustrating Luke Savage’s piece on Trump’s trade war, I focused on conveying Canada’s tension between external pressures and internal reflection.
The article examines how the conflict challenges national identity and economic priorities, and my illustration aimed to capture both the strain from U.S. actions and the opportunity for Canada to assert sovereignty and rethink its role in the global economy.
IT Canada
In illustrating Justin Ling’s Walrus piece on ArriveCAN and Canadian government IT, the focus pointed to the chaos and frustration behind bureaucratic mismanagement.
The article critiques systemic failures in planning and execution. Aiming to capture the sense of public trust eroding amid technological blunders, I illustrated a visual of the Canadian maple leaf in glitch mode, visually reflecting how government IT struggles can ripple across everyday life.
Adult Siblings
For Anubha Momin’s Walrus piece on Iryn Tushabe’s "Everything Is Fine Here", I focused on capturing the emotional depth of the sisters’ story.
The unconventional book-review-meets-personal-essay explores themes of tragedy, family, and resilience, and my artwork aimed to reflect both the personal and universal aspects of their journey, visually conveying the interplay of love, loss, and the quiet strength that carries them through life’s challenges.
Bioluminescence
ILLUSTRATION, ANIMATION
CLIENT + TEAM
The Walrus
Arno Kopecky (Contributing Writer)
For Arno Kopecky’s Walrus story “A Son, a Scientist, and the Secret of Bioluminescence,” I designed the motion cover to capture the warmth at its heart—a son’s love for his father. The piece weaves science and memory, showing how the glow of fireflies mirrors the enduring bond between them.
My design sought to reflect that gentle light, a reminder of love shining even as memory fades.
