About

HI! I'm Kayla (AKA Shesta), your friendly neighborhood dragon. I make dinosaur, fantasy & furry merch and art. I also have a background in website development and graphic design, and over 15 years of experience freelancing. I continue to take on illustration commissions, drawing your furry characters and creatures. As well as many side projects!

When I'm not busy working, I love to indulge in simulation/survival/cozy video games, fantasy movies and anime. Checking out new cafés and places to eat, I usually crave savory foods and sweet treats.

The natural world has always inspired me. I grew up in Vancouver, Canada and the West Coast is still one of my favorite places in the world. I have a love of traveling and exploring the surrounding places. Likewise, I grab inspiration from anything such as; a silly looking snail, a bent tree, or a fossil from a riverbed.

(I would have been in grade 3, around 8 years old when I drew this.)

Back in my childhood, my obsession with sea life and nature had already taken place. I loved to look through encyclopedias and how-to-draw books for hours on end, drawing and labeling as many critters as possible.

I also grew up watching nature documentaries nearly every day, going to museums, aquariums, and spending a lot of time outdoors. Likewise, I have many fond memories of playing with the snails in the garden and climbing trees in my backyard.

Growing up, I wanted to be either a marine biologist or paleontologist and while I may not be doing that now, I still adore scientific media and consume it on a daily basis.

I hope to create artwork that inspires whimsy and curiosity about the natural world, to inspire my peers and other artists to hang on to, and protect that child-like wonder, and to inspire others to keep creating and learning about our world both past and present.

Additionally, creating apparel that is size-inclusive without the extra price tag. I've struggled for most of my life trying to find cool clothes that fit, and I want to eliminate that annoyance as much as possible. My apparel is designed to be unisex, so anyone can wear it regardless of gender expression and body shape. This inclusivity is super important to me, I aim to provide a safe space, and I am a queer-owned business. :)

Being able to go to many places and see many faces over the years is an incredible experience, and I feel fortunate for the continued opportunities and friends I get to meet along the way. I'm constantly inspired and in awe of what others in the community create, it's beautiful and amazing.

I would never have made it this far without the support of friends and the creative community, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! Not only that, but I couldn't continue to do what I do without you.

- with love, Shesta <3