Katy Lemay illustrated a feature for Enfants Magazine about kid’s suicide

Illustration for Quebec Science Magazine on guided drugs to cure cancer

Katy illustrate a story about a former doctor who has plenty of time for wealth management; perhaps too much time…

Katy Lemay illustrates for an article about a woman telling a story about her childhood and fascination with native people

Katy Lemay for Benefit Selling magazine. What brokers should do when clients object to services.

Katy Lemay did a portrait of Marine LePen «The new Queen of Le Front National » in France

Katy Lemay illustrated an article for the UK edition of Fabulous magazine, Do you know that you can get fit in 5 minutes and watch TV?

Katy Lemay did an illustration for Family Circle magazine on doing a physical checkup list before starting school

Katy Lemay created this editorial illustration for L’Actualité Magazine about a book on the history of the feminist revolution.

How and when did you know that you wanted to become an illustrator?
It was at the University studying Graphic Design. I was having a lot of difficulties doing illustrations in my art class and was so frustrated, because I didn’t like drawing. I had to find a way to explore a medium to communicate and create images. So I found a way by doing collage. But at this time it was 3D collage, with objects. It was a revelation and I started to believe that everything was possible.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Old magazines, antique shops, architecture, textiles, movies.
 
What is your earliest memory of creating art? (or drawing as a child)
When I was a child my father owned a tailor’s store and he gave me the opportunity to do his set up (vitrine) in the store. I also loved playing with bouton and bobine de fil and making little 3d montages.
 
What type of environment do you prefer to work in? At home or in a studio? Listening to music?
I like to read my texts in peace and calm in my studio. NO music on. For me that’s the most important process. I need to focus. After my concepts are found it’s like a fantastic party starting. The music can be loud; I feel confident and life is good.
 
As a working illustrator, do you still find time to create art for yourself?
Sometimes yes… I meet with 3 other illustrator friends of mine and we do a chit-chat arty night.
 
What type of transition needs to be made between creating art for yourself and creating art that is commissioned?
There is not such a big transition it’s just that the subjects that I’m illustrating for myself are not censored…. only pure pleasure.
  
What type of artwork do you have hanging in your home?
I have old letters, old pictures, Cuban naïve art and some of my 3d collage artworks. Nothing is there for long. Just hung with scotchtape. I like to replace stuff often.
 
What accomplishment so far in your life stands out as most important?
Creating a family with my husband, having 3 children and seeing that I’m doing a great work.
 
Who was the first illustrator that you noticed and admired?
Pol Turgeon, Henrik Drescher, Mark Ryden.

What is your favorite way to get out of a creative block?
Go to a museum, put my head upside down, play soccer.
 
If you had to describe your body of work in one word, what would that word be?
Souplesse.
 
Is there any one publication that you still have aspirations to see yourself in?
Rolling Stone and Playboy.
 
What magazines do you personally read?
Food magazine… I like to cook a lot.
 
What are your goals for your future as an illustrator?
Do animations and share my experiences with students. I really would really love to teach illustration, to gave back what I received.
 
What question do you wish an interviewer would ask you?
Since your family is very important how do you manage to raise a family and work from home ?