“Aaron,” Leah Goren

I am a California-based illustrator who received my BFA in Illustration from Parsons School of Design in 2012. I primarily work on commercial projects for clients like Anthropologie, ban.do, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and the New York Times. My commercial work spans from decorative surface patterns for ceramics, textiles, and homewares, to book covers, advertising, and editorial pieces.

In my free time, I really like to work more loosely and freely in my sketchbook. I don't always have a ton of time for it, but when I do I usually draw my surroundings. I like drawing scenes, especially with people in them. My sketchbook becomes a diary of sorts, where I can look back at days with friends in the park or everyday scenes around the apartment. Sometimes I'll home in on small details, and other times—like the drawing of my cat Aaron on the cover—I challenge myself to draw very quickly and loosely. When I let go of control, interesting things start to happen with the brush and paint.  http://leahgoren.com/.