Robert John Paterson

Art by Robert John Paterson

Illustrator, designer, printmaker, proudly Canadian, Robert John Paterson approaches each illustration with the goal of expressing the most while showing the least. Equal parts 1940s science fiction and 1960s graphic design, he loves to tell stories with pictures by communicating complex ideas with simplified shapes and colors.

Although discouraged by his high school art teacher to pursue a creative career, Robert applied to the Art Institute of Toronto and after graduation, found work at an ad agency. Eventually promoted to Art Director, a job he hated, he returned to school at OCADU in Toronto to more deeply develop his talents at making art. 

A need to explore soon took him to Europe where he chased inspiration. Opting in to residencies as he travelled, he did poster shows, made animated short films and painted murals. Today, back in Canada, he is working and creating as much art as he can. “My art practise truly is a representation of my passions and experience, I love telling stories and am so grateful I have the ability to do so visually.”

All art by Robert John Paterson