MEET THE ARTIST, TIM SINGLETON
Posted on
20/03/2025
Blank Canvas is an initiative where artists transform our head and neckwear into vibrant expressions of creativity. Each design tells a story, turning everyday essentials into inspiring works of art.
Tell us a bit more about yourself and your journey as an artist.
I’m an artist, illustrator, and designer from Toronto, Canada. I’ve been working for more than a decade with my work appearing on billboards, murals, television, book covers, T-shirts, merch, international campaigns, and more.
I’ve always loved drawing (my mom got me my first sketchbook when I was 3), so I kept pursuing that throughout school until I eventually got a Bachelor of Design from OCAD University, and started working for agencies in Toronto. Since then, I’ve worked at a variety of places, but I’ve always kept freelancing, since I love the freedom of picking who I work with, and I find those projects are always the most rewarding creatively. I’ve gotten to see my work sold in stores around the world. I love seeing people engage with my work in a variety of mediums, whether it’s on a shirt, a mug, a piece of art hanging in their home, or anything else!
Where did you draw inspiration from for this new fruits collection? – Or can you tell us a bit about the story behind each design.
This entire collection is about the fruits found in the Atlantic Forest, so I drew inspiration from what grows there and the forest itself. It’s home to a wildly diverse collection of animals and plants, so I pulled from the textures, the colors, and the energy that the area is home to. The fruits in the area are electric in color, and they’re each super unique in shape and size, so I wanted that diversity to feel represented across the designs with yummy, juicy palettes that make you feel quenched and refreshed.
Can you take us through the steps you use when creating a piece of art?
For this collection, I wanted the designs to look as delicious as the fruits themselves. All my designs begin with research, which in this case meant finding these fruits at markets around my city and letting the flavors, scents, and visual quality of the fruit inform my color palette. From there, I made a lot of drawings, ranging from realistic renders to abstract expressions of the fruits, and then began combining those with color and textures, and playing with the scale until myself and the team at BUFF were happy and excited about the work!
What are your favorite outdoor activities? And why?
My favorite outdoor activity is going for long, long walks. We’re talking hours. I find it so relaxing,. I always feel amazing after, and I come up with some of my best ideas when my brain is present, exploring the world. Bonus, you don’t need a lot of gear to enjoy it.
What does “Live More Now” mean for you? And how do you Live More Now every day?
It means embracing every moment, of every day. Something I’m perpetually seeking out in my work is joy and a feeling of abundance. For me, having an outlet in my work, that keeps me present and in a state of flow helps me tap into the moment.
Tell us three things about you that most people may not know.
I knit sweaters and blankets, year-round. It’s a creative outlet that doesn’t require a screen!
I watch movies constantly, day and night, and my favorite genre is horror.
I have a massive candle collection on rotation. If I’m at home, I’m burning a candle.
I hope these designs inspire you to get out into the world, and explore and discover all the amazing things and experiences our planet has to offer! ”