About the artist Toby Willsmer

‘I just let my imagination run riot... then draw it’

What I look like

Step into the world of Toby Willsmer, a renowned published professional illustrator known for his distinctive blend of traditional aesthetics and digital painting techniques. With an impressive portfolio, Toby's work showcases a perfect harmony between the traditional and digital realms.

Born in the UK during the 70s, Toby Willsmer found his passion for illustration through a deep admiration for comics and their mesmerizing artwork. Today, his illustrations beautifully reflect the influence of comics and demonstrate his remarkable ability to translate ideas into captivating visual images.

Toby's artwork comes to life through meticulous hand-drawn illustrations that burst with vivid colors, captivating movement, and expertly crafted lighting. Infused with his signature dose of humor, each piece exudes an edgy and dynamic quality that engages and delights viewers.

Toby's artistic style seamlessly spans across various genres, including comics, graphic novels, book covers, album art, and the realms of fantasy and sci-fi. He effortlessly captures the essence of these genres while occasionally venturing into the realm of painting zombie portraits. However, children's books have yet to join his extensive repertoire!

Clients include:

Rebellion logo 2000ad logo Spectrum Films logo ImagineFX logo

Availability:

Currently open for commercial and private commissions, contact me for all enquires.

Location:

Based in Wellington, New Zealand
Current NZ time:

Articles & Interviews:

2000ad issue 2352

Latest 2000ad covers uncovered

Issue 2352

2000ad run a cover feature for each published issue. Breaking down the process for how my most recent cover art was created.

Read here
Imagine FX magazine issue 234

Imagine FX magazine

Issue 234

Created a tutorial on how to use dramatic light and movement in an illustration.

Imagine FX magazine issue 232

Imagine FX magazine

Issue 232

Created a tutorial on lighting and how to use it in an illustration.

Submachine magazine issue 9

Submachine magazine

Issue 9

Interviewed as one of their featured artists.

Imagine FX magazine issue 219

Imagine FX magazine

Issue 219

Created a tutorial on movement and dynamics and how to capture them in an illustration.

Imagine FX magazine issue 211

Imagine FX magazine

2000ad 45 year special - Issue 211

Interviewed as a 2000ad artist to celebrate their 45th anniversary.

NZ Artist magazine issue 35

NZ Artist magazine

Volume 5 - Issue 35

Interviewed as one of their featured artists.