Hi there! I’m Isabelle Staub, a professional illustrator with a passion for bringing characters and brands to life through my art. If you’ve followed my journey on social media, you’ve probably seen my work with major companies like Far Out Toys and Blend Bunny Cosmetics, and maybe you’ve even recognized my viral Disney series, where I reimagined iconic animal characters as humans.
But there’s more to my story than just the colorful illustrations you see on your screen. Here, I want to share a behind-the-scenes look into my creative process, my recent projects, and how I keep the inspiration flowing while working with exciting brands.
The Power of Reimagining Characters
One of the highlights of my career was creating a series that reimagined Disney animal characters as humans. What started as an inspired scroll through Pinterest turned into a viral moment, and even landed me on Good Morning America! My love for storytelling and character design has been a driving force behind many of my projects. Taking familiar characters and giving them a fresh, modern twist allows me to push the boundaries of creativity and reintroduce beloved stories in a new way.
This process has been the foundation for some of the courses I now teach, where I guide students on how to redesign iconic characters. From 90s cartoons like Hey Arnold to The Wild Thornberries, it’s all about breathing new life into these classics while keeping their essence intact.
Collaborating with Brands: Far Out Toys and Blend Bunny Cosmetics
I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredible brands, designing everything from toy packaging to cosmetics. One of my favorite projects was creating the packaging art for Far Out Toys’ LUV dolls. It was a fun and rewarding experience, translating the playful and whimsical essence of the dolls into vibrant, eye-catching designs.
Another project I’m particularly proud of is my collaboration with Blend Bunny Cosmetics. I worked on their latest eyeshadow palette, Machina, bringing the futuristic theme to life through my art. Collaborating with cosmetics brands allows me to merge the worlds of beauty and illustration, which has always been a fascinating intersection for me.
Finding Inspiration and Avoiding Burnout
As a full-time illustrator, balancing creativity with deadlines can sometimes be a challenge. In fact, one of my most recent Instagram posts dives into tips for dealing with artist burnout—something I think many creatives can relate to. My approach? Finding new sources of inspiration, and allowing myself time to recharge.
Burnout is real, and I always encourage artists to step back and take breaks when needed. It’s important to nourish your creativity, and sometimes that means stepping away from the canvas to return with a fresh perspective.
Looking Ahead: Expanding My Portfolio and Teaching
As I continue to grow as an artist, I’m excited about expanding my portfolio and taking on new projects. I’m also passionate about teaching the next generation of illustrators. My online courses, where I teach digital painting techniques has been a wonderful way to share my knowledge and inspire others.
And stay tuned—there’s always something new in the works, whether it's a collaboration with a brand or an exciting personal project!
Let’s Connect
If you’re a company looking for custom illustrations, or you’re just an art lover, feel free to check out my portfolio or get in touch. I’m always excited to collaborate on new projects that push the boundaries of creativity. And if you’re interested in learning how to create art like mine, don’t forget to check out my courses, digital brushes, and prints available on my website.
Thanks for joining me on this journey—I’m excited to share even more with you in the future!