Layla A. Jaffer - visual artist & designer

Layla's creative style is a confluence of cultural influences.  Born a South Asian Ismaili Muslim in East Africa, she was educated in Europe and has since been a proud Canadian for over three decades.  The contrasts of vibrancy in colour and simplicity in form as well as the variety of media, applications, and techniques represent these transitions and her dynamic experiences.

She began her artistic endeavours with a singular focus as a fashion illustrator until her mid-twenties, pursuing a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion and Textile Design in the UK.  Later, she was inspired to design fashion and interior accessories as well as event and stage décor, seeking opportunities for multi-functionality, recycled materials, re-purposing and re-imagining everyday objects.

When Layla was asked at the National Jubilee Arts Festival in Toronto to identify one big, bold wish, she knew immediately that hers was to see her doodles reproduced as murals in high traffic outdoor spaces.  Her wish came true this Spring when she was offered a residential wall with clear public visibility en route to one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist destinations, Grouse Mountain.  Jaffer’s work has continued to mature post-festival, particularly as she has expanded her understanding of electronic graphic design tools, social media, and online marketing. This has enabled her to successfully develop her own brand and onlne retail merchandise, with her doodles playing the star role.  

True to her family and religious values, she gives back by donating a portion of all revenues to the Aga Khan Development Network and the Spark of Hope, as well as facilitating complimentary workshops to share her knowledge and expertise.

Check out more of Layla's work on Instagram