about me

hello!

I'm the illustrator behind once upon a design! 
please enjoy my website and make sure you drop by my online shop.

 

". . . in a far far land of CHO, there lived an illustrator who drew cats and dogs and frogs and more.

there were dark skies filled with the sun, stars and moon.
every day told a story of good and bad.  stories of memories had.

the beginning"

 

wendy CHO attended OCAD in design, specializing in Illustration;  formally showing her artwork in 2012 under her company name “once upon a design”.  She is a member of the Artists' Network, Art Society King, Oshawa Art Association as well as the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council. 

wendy's artwork is inspired by the magical world of children’s books and the delightful personalities of animals—cats, dogs, and even an albino hedgehog named Stella. She is  drawn to themes of innocence, joy, and the boundless possibilities of imagination. Through her illustrations, she creates gentle, dreamlike scenes where animals often float through the air with tiny balloons, drifting freely and playfully. This recurring imagery reflects a sense of lightness, wonder, and optimism, inviting viewers to reconnect with childlike curiosity and the belief that anything is possible—that with imagination, the sky is truly the limit.

She creates her illustrations using bold, hand-drawn black ink lines, accented with pops of glossy lacquer paint reminiscent of shiny car finishes or polished floor varnish. This playful contrast results in a sleek, glass-like surface that brings depth, vibrancy, and a touch of magic to each piece. wendy also embraces generous areas of negative space, giving my characters room to breathe, wander, and dream...

Ultimately, she hopes her artwork brings joy and spreads smiles, inviting viewers to dive into imagination and enjoy the simple, delightful moments that make life feel a little more magical.