FAQ's
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Where are you located?
I live on Turtle Island, in Moh’kinstsis (Treaty 7), also known as Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I travel frequently to British Columbia to visit my friends, family, and my traditional territory. The coast holds a special place in my heart and is a constant source of inspiration for my art and storytelling.
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Do you take commissions?
I’m always open to discussing project ideas and proposals! However, I only take on serious business inquiries at this time. Currently, commissions are closed due to a high volume of scams, but I’m happy to work with vetted individuals or organizations.
If you’re interested in collaborating, the best way to reach me is through the contact form on my website or via email at rielphoebe@gmail.com.
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How can I support your work?
1. Shop my art:
• Salmon Bear Shop – for prints, tote bags, stickers, and more!
• INPRNT – for other high-quality art prints.
2. Engage with my posts:
• Like, comment, share, or save on social media. Every bit of support helps others discover my work and means the world to me.
Thank you for supporting my creative journey!
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Where did you go to school / how did you learn to draw?
I recently graduated from the Alberta University of the Arts with a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication – Design and Illustration. My journey with art started long before that—I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember!
In many ways, I’m self-taught through years of practice, learning from books, videos, and other artists I admire. I also had opportunities to take art classes whenever I could, study graphic design in high school, and experiment with digital drawing programs as early as elementary school.
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What is your artistic process like?
My creative process begins with sketch booking, research, and mood boarding. I love capturing inspiration through my own reference photos, taken during walks, adventures, and trips, to inform the mood, tone, and storytelling of my work. This step is especially vital for cultural projects, where I strive to ensure visual accuracy and respect for the stories I represent.
Once the groundwork is laid, I move to digital sketching using Procreate on my iPad on the go or Photoshop on my tablet in the studio. I enjoy experimenting with my approach, but I often lean toward a painterly, sketchy style, refining the details and colour palette to bring each piece to life.
I’m passionate about sharing my artistic journey, and I regularly post behind-the-scenes photos, videos, and process reels on Instagram. Feel free to follow along to see how my work comes together.
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What inspires your artwork?
I’m deeply inspired by the natural world, especially the Alberta landscape and the BC coast. My work often explores themes of nostalgia, culture, and storytelling, with a focus on playful designs and heartfelt narratives. I also find inspiration in my heritage as a member of the ‘Na̲mg̲is First Nation and my connection to Indigenous storytelling traditions.