Torquay illustrator creates unique summer mural in Melbourne CBD

TORQUAY-based illustrator Tonia Composto has unveiled her latest creation, ‘The Little Things’, in Melbourne’s CBD.

Tonia, who is also known as Lemon Chicken Por Favor, collaborated with the Metro Tunnel Creative Program to create this vibrant Christmas mural, which will be displayed in Scott Alley until 10 January 2024.

“The brief was very open, emphasising the need to depart from the typical northern hemisphere Christmas images,” Tonia said.

Aiming to capture the unique essence of Christmas in Australia, Tonia chose to avoid overused clichés like “surfing Santas” to create something more universally relatable.

Her approach involved using sticky note doodles, a method she prefers for conceptualising.

“A lot of my concept work begins with sticky note doodles instead of using sketch books,” Tonia said.

“These allow me to create many individual short quick artworks that are then used as an ideas spring board for new works.”

“It’s a personal library of reference and when you are on deadline, it’s a faster process.”

The mural celebrates distinctive Australian Christmas elements such as cheese platters, cherries, watermelons, and summer activities.

Impressed with her concept, the Metro Tunnel team invited Tonia to conduct two doodle workshops at their Swanston Street headquarters.

Tonia’s recent projects extend beyond this mural.

She has completed three large artworks for children’s holiday activity hubs in Sydney shopping centres and illustrated “All About the Heart,” a children’s book by Dr. Remi Kowalski, published by Berbay Books.

Despite a seasonal slow-down in commissions, Tonia remains engaged in various projects.

“I’ll be focusing on the next issue of GoGo Zine,” she said.

GoGo Zine, a self-published children’s mini-magazine gaining popularity in Melbourne, is soon to be launched on the Surf Coast.

Her diverse portfolio encompasses packaging, promotion, editorial, lifestyle, infographics, and street art.

“Commercial illustration is an exciting, yet challenging industry, and I feel very privileged to be part of it,” she expressed.

For more about Tonia’s work, visit her website at lemonchickenporfavor.com.au and follow her on Instagram @lemonchickenporfavor.