Our October logo is a message of inspiration and empowerment for Women's History Month

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

Daniela Amyot is an emerging digital artist from Montreal. Her specialty? Illustrating serene, earth-toned scenes of women caught in moments of leisure, and in the few short years she's been building her portfolio, Amyot's work has developed that singular focus. It's a subject that's close to her heart, she explains.

"I create art to make women feel included and represented," she says. "With my illustrations, I like to blend feminine grace and the beauty of nature, in the hope to inspire and empower women."

And she's brought that same mission to her most recent assignment: a CBC Arts logo design that celebrates Women's History Month. She told us more about her art practice when we reached out to her by email.

Name: Daniela Amyot

Age: 29

Homebase: Montreal

How did you get into making digital art?

I actually studied art in high school but I mostly learned traditional art like drawing and painting. I never really pursued art after high schooI and pretty much forgot everything I had learned. When the pandemic hit, I felt the need to create art again, so I bought an iPad with the goal to learn digital art with Procreate. I was able to develop my style thanks to online tutorials and lots of practice. 

What is Itsfunnyhowww? Why did you launch your own brand?

It all happened very suddenly. After I bought my iPad, I knew I wanted to develop my own style so I gave myself the challenge to create one illustration a day for 30 days. I also created an Instagram page so I could connect with other illustrators and keep up with my progress. My account grew slowly but surely, and people started asking for prints. That's when I created my first online store. If it wasn't for the magic of social media, I would never have even dreamed of starting my own brand. 

Let's talk about your logo! It's based on an illustration you made for Women's International Women's Rights Day in March, is that correct? What did you want to express through the piece?

Exactly. It's a day when we celebrate the social, political and economic achievements of women throughout the years. With this piece, I wanted to feature strong women in a world where diversity is valued and celebrated. Instead of having the girls smiling and celebrating, I illustrated them with straight faces because there is so much more to be done when it comes to women's rights. 

Women are the subject of so many of your prints — and they all seem to be leading some majorly relaxing lives: enjoying bubble baths, yoga sessions, cozy hangs at home or on holiday. Why do you love creating scenes like these? 

As an introvert, I like to make art that reflects my love for everything peaceful. I started drawing when the pandemic hit and I felt like the world needed peacefulness and calmness. I kind of see my art as an escape from the crazy world we live in. When I make a new piece, my goal is to make me and the public say: "I want to be THERE." 

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

I think Itsfunnyhowww, as a whole, is my biggest life project and the one I'm the most proud of. Entrepreneurship makes me learn so much about myself and what I'm capable of! Sometimes I don't feel like I'm where I would like to be with my art business, but I try to remind myself to stop and think of everything I've accomplished so far and that makes me very proud. 

What are you working on these days?

Right now I'm working very hard to develop new products like calendars, greeting cards and prints for my online shop. The holidays are right around the corner. It's exciting but it's also a bit of a rush!

What's your favourite place to see art?

It's going to sound so cheesy, but I like to go out in nature to see art. To me, there is nothing more beautiful than plants, flowers and mountains. 

Who's the last artist you discovered online?

It's Emonee LaRussa! She's a motion graphics artist that I discovered on TikTok. Her style is just *chef's kiss.* She also makes quick tutorial videos, so don't hesitate to check her out if you're into motion design.

What work of art do you wish you owned?

That is such a good question! I would say Yellow Sweet Peas by Georgia O'Keeffe. I love everything about it: the colours, the textures and the subject. The piece is truly warming and comforting.

Where can we see more from you?

You can find me on Instagram and TikTok (@itsfunnyhowww) where I share everything about my art journey and the ups and downs of my life as an entrepreneur.

This conversation has been edited and condensed.