Yannick Bouchard

Illustration is my calling, and I’m incredibly privileged to dedicate myself to it full-time. My creations reflect my fascination with fantasy and horror, mixed with a touch of nostalgia and humor.

Where I come from

For as long as I can remember, drawing has always been more than a pastime or hobby, it was a true passion. As an 80s kid, I drew my inspiration from movies, cartoons and comic books to create my own worlds and characters. By the time I hit my teens, I considered becoming a comic book artist, a period during which I became very interested in traditional pen-and-ink drawing. Later, after discovering various fantasy and surrealist painters, I turned to oil painting as my preferred medium.
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My Journey

After studying Visual Arts at Université Laval, and unable to make a living from my art right away, I settled into a mundane day job for a few years. It gave me stability—something crucial for someone like me who struggles with insecurity. During those years, I picked up digital painting, which allowed me to keep creating effortlessly in my spare time. It was at the dawn of my thirties that I finally decided to take the leap and dedicate myself full-time to illustration. The beginning was bumpy and filled with anxiety, but my perseverance eventually paid off.

Where I am now

I have worked on countless varied illustration projects over the past few years and I am still just as excited about what I do. Although my practice focuses almost exclusively on digital painting, I remain passionate about traditional art. I had the great privilege of honing my oil painting technique at the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Québec, where I also discovered the joy of creating with soft pastels.

Professionally, my interest in horror and macabre art led me to specialize in this style over time. Here, I present a selection of my works—most of them imbued with somber imagery yet also a touch of humor—which I hope will resonate with those of you who have a penchant for the macabre.
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