This CBC logo design captures big summer feelings

Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!

What does August feel like? Take a look at our latest logo design, and you'll see how Olivia Thomson would answer the question. 

Thomson, a zine-maker from New Brunswick, is our logo artist of the month, and feelings — big feelings, messy feelings, summer feelings — are her favourite go-to subject.  

"I work in markers and papers, and occasionally digitally, to create scenes that are colourful and playful, often sprinkled with anxious or supernatural undertones," she tells CBC Arts. "For me, creativity is a way to process ideas and how I interact with the world." She told us more about her work and what inspired this new illustration.

Name: Olivia Thomson

Age: 25

Homebase: Fredericton

Let's talk about your logo! What inspired the concept?

For my logo, I wanted to show the dynamic and colourful nature of August, so I drew a girl chilling in a lake in August heat.

I was inspired by my sensory memories of summer — good and bad: swimming, cold treats, bugs and sunburns. The girl is feeling all of these sensations at once, and surrounding her are some "fantasy map" details such as small pirate ships and sea monsters in the water, along with tiny villages and forests. 

I wanted to lean into the adventurous side of summer while also making her feel larger than life — almost like she is an island and her sunburn is just part of the great map terrain. With her eyes closed, it's sort of up to you to decide if she's just vibing in the water or lost in her imagination. 

What sources do you often turn to for ideas and inspiration?

I'm always on the lookout for inspiration. I find it in nature, art and the people and structures around me. I often draw from vivid dreams I have, or sometimes there are certain scenes that stick in my head until I can get them out on paper. I'm constantly writing down tidbits of ideas as they come to me. I love the power of choice that comes with making art; no idea is too small or too self-indulgent. Details are significant because you choose to include them.

What's the project you're most proud of?

Last year I made a comic zine called Pick Me that I'm super proud of. It's only five pages long, but I got a lot out of it and it sparked a lot of new ideas for me.

What's new in your world? What are you working on these days?

I've been working on a long comic/graphic novel which has been exciting and challenging in a good way. It's the longest comic I've ever written by far and I'm drawing it digitally even though I do most of my work by hand. Also, I'll be doing an artist residency in downtown Fredericton the last week of August.

What's your favourite place to see art? Is there a local spot more people should know about?

One of my favourite ways to see art is when there's a gallery hop in Fredericton. It gives you an excuse to see a bunch of cool stuff at once, and it's dedicated time to be excited about art with your friends. I love taking in the vibes of the different art venues downtown (plus there are always good snacks).

What work of art do you wish you owned?

I think Mary Pratt's Glassy Apples would be amazing to own. All of her work is stunning, but I remember seeing that one for the first time at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery as a kid and being totally amazed.

Are there any arts events on your radar this August? What are you excited to check out?

Yes! I'm going to Sappyfest, a music and art festival in Sackville, N.B., on the August long weekend. They have a great zine fair that I participated in last year and I am doing it again. This year, I'm excited to stick around to check out all the shows and cool stuff going on. I always love an opportunity to grow my zine collection.

Where can we see more from you?

You can see more of my work on Instagram and my Ko-fi page.

This conversation has been edited and condensed.