Each year Brave Island holds a Christmas Card Design competition where the winner is awarded £100 and their design is sold around the Island to raise money for a local cause. This time the proceeds will be going to John Cattle’s Skate Club C.I.C. This year’s winner is Paige Yarka aka Leotta! The finished cards are now available to buy from Ventnor Exchange!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? What do you do when you’re not making art?

Hi, I’m Paige, but I also go by Leotta. I am a digital artist, and I specialise in semi-realistic character art. I am also a content creator for the gaming company Ubisoft. When I’m not making art, I enjoy taking photos that I often use as inspiration for later drawings or paintings. I also like to play video games, specifically Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege who I have worked with in the past.

Your design is lovely, what inspired you to create it? Were you influenced by any particular artists or styles?

I was inspired by my love for Studio Ghibli films – I admire how Hayao Miyazaki brings vibrant colours and magical elements into his work. I was also influenced by the works of J.C. Leyendecker, Maxfield Parrish, and Raja Nandepu. Their use of bold colours and compelling compositions has always resonated with me.

Why did you decide to take part in this competition?

I wanted to participate last year, but I didn’t have the time, so I made sure to get involved this year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support a cause through art, so I thought I’d give it a shot.

Where can people find your work if they’d like to support you?

You can find me on Instagram at @leottaart or view my portfolio at leottaportfolio.carrd.co.

And finally, we’d love to hear a bit about what you think of the Brave Island project.

I enjoy keeping up with the creative people on the Island, and the Brave Island project is usually where I go for updates. It’s fantastic that the project offers so many opportunities to grow and learn.