Oh Hello!

I’m Ameena, an illustrator from Toronto, Canada, with a love for bold colours, collage textures, and stories that celebrate connection. I’m a first-generation Canadian with mixed roots, half Guyanese and half Bangladeshi. I pull inspiration from both cultures, especially through food, family, and storytelling.

I grew up in my parents’ roti restaurant, surrounded by the smell of spices, laughter, and the magic of food bringing people together. Those memories, along with the lush nature I fell in love with while living in Vancouver, BC and Manchester, UK, often sneak into my work.

Before diving into kidlit, I spent 15 years in animation and VFX, on the production side, helping bring big worlds and wild ideas to life. Now, I’m channelling all that storytelling experience into illustrating and writing picture books full-time, creating art that’s playful, heartfelt, and full of cultural flavour.

I love crafting stories where small actions lead to big changes, where friendship and food bring communities together, and where cozy family moments shine brightly.

When I’m not sketching, you’ll probably find me walking along the lake, catching up with friends over matcha, watching anime or learning how to play the kalimba…for what is considered an easy instrument, it is pretty hard to grasp.