ABOUT ME

Hello! I'm Gillian, an illustrator, character designer, and life drawing professor based in Ottawa, Canada but originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland. My work is driven by gestural, dynamic characters bursting with humour and emotion, bringing stories to life with energy and heart.

With over a decade in the animation industry as a character designer and years of experience illustrating picture books, I craft engaging visuals that captivate readers and audiences alike. I've had the privilege of illustrating books for some of the industry's leading publishers, including HarperCollins, Penguin, Hazy Dell Press, Little Bee Books, Epic!, Raspberry Books / DK, Kids Can Press and Highlights Magazine.

I thrive in storytelling, creating characters that jump off the page with movement and personality. Whether it's a gymnast guinea pig or a family of Sasquatch, I bring an expressive touch to every project.

Recently, I have been exploring bringing together traditional pencil line with digital colour to capture a sense of liveliness and movement in my illustrated worlds.

I was also the Character Design Supervisor on Netflix’s beloved animated series Hilda and teach Life Drawing to illustration students, helping shape the next generation of artists.

I’m currently seeking new projects and collaborations! If you're looking for an illustrator with a sharp eye for character-driven storytelling, let's connect!

📩 For illustration work – contact my agent Christy Ewers at christy@catagencyinc.com 📩 For character design projects – reach out to me directly at gillianalexreid@gmail.com

When I’m not drawing, you’ll find me at the movies, in the library, practicing yoga, roller skating, or cuddling my cat, Frank.

“Gillian Reid's exhilarating, effervescent illustrations have elevated an impressive catalog of high-profile children's books and television shows. In addition to illustrating Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness's picture book, Peanut Goes For the Gold, Gillian serves as the Character Design Supervisor on the popular Netflix series Hilda. And recently, Gillian illustrated Ali and the Sea Stars, the debut picture book by Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker.” - Artist Spotlight, Hazydell Press