Alicia Tian

Technical Illustrator

About

Alicia is currently pursuing her MFA at OCAD University (2024–2026), where she is exploring interdisciplinary approaches to art and design within the field of illustration. Her practice blends visual storytelling, research, and material experimentation across formats.Passionate about precision and clarity, Alicia is a technical illustrator and creative graphic artist specializing in clean and sharp-edged graphic styles. She has previously worked with scientists, engineers, authors, and educators, designed numerous informational illustrations for a wide range of projects.Alicia uses her research skills and a keen eye for detail to bring her artwork into interdisciplinary fields. She works closely with subject matter experts and creates neat and professional medical illustrations that blend creativity with accuracy. Her illustrations adhere to any established style guidelines to maintain consistency across various materials.

RESUME

Science Illustrator & Artist (2022-present)

3+ years collaborating with/creating artwork for scientists, educators, authors, publishers.Projects include: operation training, nursing training, general biology, professional science journals, early-learner human anatomy books, ESL English course.Proficiency in Adobe CC (InDesign, AI, PS, AE) and traditional media (pen and ink, watercolour)Clients include: University of California (Davis), University of Syndney, Toronto Transit Commission, North York Community House, Victoria Park Linc Centre, and I-Med Pharma.

Teaching Assisstant (2024-present; OCAD University)

Facilitate group discussions, peer reviews, and critique sessions that encourage critical thinking, reflective dialogue, and collaborative learning.Design assignments that align with course objectives and learning outcomes, incorporating relevant concepts, skills, and contemporary examples.Offer constructive feedback on student work through in-class interactions and written responses, supporting individual growth and skill development.Act as a point of contact between students and the instructor, helping clarify expectations, deadlines, and feedback.

Experiential Learning/Mentorship Program (2024-present; OCAD University)

design and facilitate original assignments that bridge academic expectations with real-world industry standards in technical illustration.Introduce techniques and workflows used in professional settings.Introduce concepts from cognitive semiotics to deepen students' understanding of how meaning is constructed through visual language.Provide assignment feedback, guide students through iterative development, and support them in building a portfolio that demonstrates both conceptual understanding and technical proficiency.

Educator (2022-present)

Courses & workshops, in-person and online, single to multi-dayGlenview Presebyterian Church, workshop instructor of Plein Air Drawing and Painting classUpper Forest Hill Education, instructor of Junior Art and Craft courseAureole Studios, instructor of Art Fundamental and Illustration Portfolio, and Online Design Portfolio course

Production Artist (2023-24, Will-Land Outdoor Supplies Ltd.)

Creates designs for clients that visually communicate desired product or project messages. Designs may be used in various visual media including magazines, billboards, advertising, restaurant menus, and product packaging.Creates various layouts, iconography, package designs, website designs, logos, and illustrations according to client specifications.Meets with clients to discuss requirements and the design of the project.Creates rough drafts and sketches of concept, and presents to client for further discussion and revision.Participates in collaborative revision and approval process until final design is approved.

Operation and Training

Vector outlines created using Adobe Illustrator, finished in Photoshop.

Published Works

Vector Line Drawings

Rendered Illustrations

  1. Gather reference photos of each item.

  2. Assemble the photos as 1 image, and send it to the project specialist for approval.

  3. Trace the photo in Adobe Illustrator, adjust the line weight, and illustrate each item holistically to maintain an accurate scale and perspective.

  4. Add colours and textures to the line work, and adjust the colour balance to bring the main item into focus.

Technical/Medical Illustrations

Resource Book and PowerPoint Presentation Covers

Vector Illustrations

Created using Adobe Illustrator

Raster Illustrations

Created using Adobe Photoshop

Illustration Process

Gift Projects

Letterpress Gift Design (vector graphic die-cut)

Plush Toys

BMO Truck Project

BMO Asian Culture Heritage Promotion Gifts

Nylon Material Backpacks

Japanese Game Consoles (1975 - 2021)

Commonly Reported UFO Shapes

Trophy Hunting