RIYAZ SHARAN

ILLUSTRATOR, DESIGNER & PHOTOGRAPHER

Meet Riyaz

Riyaz Sharan is a talented photographer, artist, and graphic designer who proudly identifies as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, as well as having a Pacific Islander and South Asian background. With his unique perspective shaped by these intersecting identities, Riyaz captures the beauty of the world through his art.

His creative lens focuses on uncovering the often-overlooked wonders found within simplicity, revealing the intricate charm of everyday life. Through his photography and other artistic mediums, Riyaz invites you on a visual journey to explore the extraordinary moments that unfold.

As a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community with a diverse heritage, Riyaz's work reflects his personal experiences and celebrates inclusivity, embracing the beauty of individuality.

Discover the world through Riyaz's artistic vision, where different perspectives converge, and experience the depth and richness of his work as he invites you to see the world through his eyes.

Quick Facts

2021

2021 Top 40 under 40 nominee

15

Over 15 years of Graphic and Web Design Experience

$10K

Nearly $10K raised for various charities

20

Over 20 awards won

🏆 Graphic Design/Communications Awards

2024 Advertising Club of Edmonton (ACE) Award - Distinction - City of Leduc PRIDE Bus Project North American Social Marketing Award - Silver - Best Public Safety - Minors Awareness Campaign North American Social Marketing Award - Bronze - Social Media Marketing in a social marketing program - Minors Awareness Campaign North American Social Marketing Award - Bronze - Social Media Marketing in a social marketing program - Johnny's Quest North American Social Marketing Award - Bronze - Overall Social Marketing - Johnny's Quest 2023 Edmonton Community Votes - Graphic Design Services - Platinum Winner 2022 Edmonton Community Votes - Graphic Design Services - Platinum Winner IABC Capital Awards - Celebrating 15 years of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute - Award of Excellence in Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication 2020 Applied Arts Awards - Non-published Illustration Award - City of Edmonton 2019 Marcom Awards - Gold Award - Print Design - Annual Report - WCHRI Annual Report - Fresh Ideas. Big Innovation Marcom Awards - Gold Award - Graphic Design/Illustration - Edmonton Garneau Illustration 2018 IABC Capital Awards, Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation Brand Standards IABC Capital Awards, Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation Snowflake Gala 2017 Hermes Creative Awards - Gold Award - Public Relations/Communications - Strategic Programs - Special Event -Awarded for the 2017 Snowflake Gala Hermes Creative Awards - Gold Award - Print Media - Publications - Awarded for the Stollery Brand Standards 2017 IABC Capital Awards, Stollery Superstars, Excellence, 2017 Marcom Awards – Platinum – 2015/16 Annual Report: 15 Years of excellence – Print Creativity – Design Marcom Awards – Platinum – Non-Profit Brochure – Publications Marcom Awards – Gold – Non-Profit Impact Report Hermes Creative Awards – Platinum – Stollery Superstars – Strategic Programs – Communications/Marketing Campaign Hermes Creative Awards – Platinum – 2015/16 Annual Report: 15 Years of excellence – Print Media – Publications Overall Hermes Creative Awards – Platinum – 2015/16 Annual Report: 15 Years of excellence – Print Media – Writing AVA Digital Awards – Platinum – #15Thanks – Digital Marketing - Social Campaign 2016 IABC Capital Awards, Annual Report 2014/15, Excellence, 2016 2015 Hermes Creative Awards, eCards, Honourble Mention, 2015
📸 Photo Awards:

Hermes Creative Awards, Gold, 2017 Pixportal Photo contest, winner, 2016 ASPCA Calendar contest, runner up, 2016 McCallum Printing Calendar contest, winner, 2016
📺 In the Media

CTV News - These six iconic Edmonton scenes are now available in puzzle form - October 23, 2020 Virgin Radio Edmonton - These Edmonton Landmarks have been made into Puzzles! - October 24, 2020 Virgin Radio Edmonton - Interview - October 25, 2020 Refinery29 Canada - The Best Jigsaw Puzzles That Make Excellent Gifts - October 30, 2020 NAIT News Watch - October 30, 2020 CBC News 6 p.m. - November 2, 2020 - 28:30 CBC News Late Night - November 2, 2020 - 28:12 CBC Radio Active - November 2, 2020 Daveberta - Alberta cities, province fly the Rainbow Flag for Sochi Olympics - February 7, 2014 CBC News - Pride flag might fly at Edmonton’s city hall during Sochi Olympics - Feburary 6, 2014
🖼️ Exhibitions

Silver Skate Festival - 2024 Art from the Unknown In-Person Exhibit - 2023 Art from the Unknown In-Person Exhibit - 2022 The Next Act Pub - 2022 Silver Skate Festival - 2022 Earls Tin Palace - 2022 - Present Odd Company Brewery - 2021 - Present Irrational Brewing Company - 2021 - Present Art from the Unknown Online Exhibit - 2021 Art from the Unknown Online Exhibit - 2020 University of Alberta Museum - Show Me Something I Don’t Know, 2016
📚 Articles and Publications

Info Edmonton - Front Cover - May/June 2022 Tix on the Square - MAKING CREATIVE GOALS FOR 2022 - January, 14, 2022 Tix on the Square - MEET YOUR MAKERS: RIYAZ SHARAN - May 11, 2021 Equality and Pride Illustration - Alberta Public Interest Research Group (APIRG) 2021-2022 Agenda - August 2021 Rainbowconnect.ca - Meet Riyaz - June 2021 YEGArts - MEET YOUR MAKERS: RIYAZ SHARAN - November 2021

Creative Partnerships & Collaborations