July-ve and in colour! This CBC Arts logo is all about summer fun
Get out and embrace the heat! But first, get to know Tim Singleton, this month's featured artist
Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!
"My work is bright and bold," says Tim Singleton. "It's a little queer, a little surreal and a little bit maximalist." And since appearing on CBC Arts: Exhibitionists way back in 2018, this Toronto-based illustrator and graphic designer has done work for pop stars (Tegan and Sara, Vivek Shraya) and major brands (Anthropologie, Kiehl's). Plus, you may have noticed his electrifying work for a few other CBC departments, including this eye-popping book trailer for Canada Reads.
Right this second, though, we're thrilled to reveal his latest creation: a fresh logo design that we'll be using all July. Here's what Singleton had to say about the project.
Name: Tim Singleton
Age: 31
Homebase: Toronto
Let's talk about your logo! What's the concept driving the design?
My logo, which I've dubbed "July-ve and in colour," is all about where we find ourselves in the middle of the year.
July is when we've finally defrosted from a cold winter and damp spring. There's a sense of freedom as we all wear less clothing and fully embrace the heat we often dream of in Canada.
It's an incredible time to reconnect with nature, with others — especially after the last few years — and yourself. The piece centres the viewer as the eye in this kaleidoscope of limitless options that invite you to explore and engage.
Any big plans for the summer? What are you working on these days?
Personally, I want to get outside as much as I can and absorb every drop of vitamin D while travelling anywhere. Professionally, I have some very exciting, very NDA-heavy projects on the go for Pride 2023. I can't wait to share them along with some cute things happening in the fall!
What's the project you're most proud of?
I have a mural installation I made last year for the Church-Wellesley Village BIA called It Takes A Village. It's a series of six panels and street banners that proclaim queer affirmations to the neighbourhood.
Seeing people smile and take photos when they walk by it makes me feel really good. It's not often you get to see your work in such a public space, at this scale, for people to connect with so freely, so it's really surreal and really magical to me. I would love to do more work like this but I'm just so grateful that it got to last long enough to see Pride return in-person.
What's your favourite place to see art?
As much as I'm sick of staring at screens, I love the internet for how accessible it makes art. The fact that I can discover an artist from one piece and instantly be able to find more of their work is such a wild gift.
Who's the last artist you discovered online?
I am currently obsessed with the work of Bráulio Amado. I discovered him a little while back and I find his work so varied, exciting, different and mind-bending. I could dive through his work all day long.
What work of art do you wish you owned?
Honestly, I would do so many things for any single piece of art by Mickalene Thomas. Her work is so beautiful, so inspiring and seeing her pieces in real life has been one of the most thrilling gallery experiences of my life.
Where can we see more from you?
You can see more of me on my website and on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok (@timpsingleton).
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
