This September edition of the print Buzzer illustration was done by Honeylyn Amaga.

Celebrating the largest bus service increase as part of the 10-Year Vision, Honelyn features a smiling happy bus eager to help move Metro Vancouver!

We asked Honeylyn a few questions to learn a little more about her as an illustrator!

Tell us about yourself?

I was born and raised in Cebu, Philippines where I worked as a Registered Nurse. I recently became a Licensed Practical Nurse in B.C., however my real love is art! I’ve been interested in art since high school, and competed in many art competitions. A few months ago, I rekindled my love of the arts through picking up my some canvas to craft portrait and landscape paintings.

What gets you inspired when you’re creating?

As an artist, I’m inspired by many things. Internally, I’m driven by the emotions and passion that I feel towards a piece. Family in Cebu and Canada are also very inspirational to me. Lastly, I’m inspired by other famous artists such as French impressionist Claude Monet, and Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.

What are your favourite subjects to illustrate?

I really love nature and portraits. I typically work with traditional mediums like paint and canvas, however I love new challenges and am continually learning about illustrating in the digital and graphic space.

Tell us about your illustration for the latest print Buzzer.

Fall Service Changes were the biggest in nearly a decade, so this illustration focused on the bus as the main subject. The smiling bus represents the staff at Translink who are happy to serve bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express passengers. The colourful lines underneath the bus depict “more moving, less waiting” as part of the 10 year Vision.

What are your artistic tools of choice?

Generally I prefer painting with acrylics, canvas boards and brushes, however when working digitally I love using Adobe Illustrator.

What have been some of your favourite projects you’ve created?

The print Buzzer of course! This has so far been the biggest leap of my career as an artist. I love painting portraits of people as it is very rewarding to see their satisfaction with the finished works I create.

What is your favourite mode of transit?

As you can probably tell from my illustration, I love taking the SkyTrain and the bus. When riding the SkyTrain I often find myself deep in thought especially if there’s an eye catching view of nature out the window!

What are some of the fun projects you’re working on now?

I’m currently working on some canvas portraits, and will be participating in the Vancouver Art Battle on September 21, 2017.

Do you have any fun plans this fall?

Aside from the upcoming Vancouver Art Battle, each September my husband, my son and I celebrate our wedding anniversary with a getaway to Tofino!

Thank you Honeylyn for creating such a great illustration for our print Buzzer! We wish you well in your future art projects, and of course, Happy Anniversary!

Grab your copy of the Buzzer on SkyTrain, SeaBus, West Coast Express and buses before they’re gone or download it here.

Author: Sarah Kertcher