ILLUSTRATION | KNITWEAR DESIGN | FIGURE SKATING
Jake Canton is a visual artist, illustrator, knitwear designer and figure skating choreographer/coach.
Jake’s art practices focus on telling stories. Through drawing, painting, knitting, designing and choreography, he strives to convey a narrative exploring characters' inner worlds and the slightly absurd with a whimsical, playful style. He often works with concepts of mental struggle, gender identity, personal growth and finding one’s place in the world.
Jake draws a lot of inspiration from his childhood, examining his own identity and the various influences that shaped him in those early years of life. Through color and drawing style Jake creates work that is both nostalgic yet unexpected. He frequently draws inspiration from figure skating, his first passion in life.
Originally from the Boston area, Jake received a B.F.A in Textiles from the Rhode Island School of Design, before going on to design knitwear and write knitting patterns for Purl Soho. He has also designed knitwear on a freelance basis in the fashion industry; his clients have included: Thom Browne, Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, Kate Spade, Bode, A.L.C., M.M.LaFleur, Another Tomorrow, Tanya Taylor, La Pointe, Agbobly, DEGEN, and many more. He continues to freelance in knitwear design.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his partner and their two cats.
For illustration/knitwear inquiries or ice skating lessons, contact me at jacobcanton@gmail.com!