About Me

Hello! I'm Star (she/her) and I'm the artist behind Startist17.
I'm an Asian-Canadian freelance illustrator and merch artist inspired by bright colours and anything cute!
I have an educational background in fine arts and live performance production.
Drawing has always been a hobby of mine since I was young, and I decided to pursue it more seriously during my high school years. Ever since attending my first anime convention in 2018, I had always dreamed of making my own merch to sell and share with others!I began formally tabling in 2024 at local markets around the Greater Toronto Area, and have since had the opportunity to table at large scale conventions such as Anime North and Fanexpo Canada.
I also hosted my own cupsleeve event in August 2025, and have hopes to continue hosting more in the future!
I primarily draw merch for series that I enjoy (see list below), and I hope to develop more of my original ideas alongside my fanart.


INTERESTS/FANDOMSTOOLS OF THE TRADE
Haikyuu!!Artisul SP1603
Hypnosis MicrophoneClip Studio Paint
SEVENTEEN and PLAVEiPad Air 11"
Original content (OCs, food, animals)Procreate

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do you use to draw?

Drawing tablet: Artisul SP1603
Application: Clip Studio Paint PRO
I use Procreate on an iPad Air 11" on occasion.

Q: Do you have an online shop?

No. However, I'm currently working on my online shop and hope to open it sometime in 2026!
I usually allow for merch orders via email or Instagram DM, so feel free to contact me if you are interested! (shipping to Canada only)
In the mean time, you can shop in person; you can find out where I'll be through my events schedule.

Q: Do you do commissions?

At the moment, no. You can find out about when my commissions will open through my Instagram.

Q: Do you allow your art to be used by others?

Please ask for permission if you would like to use my art as your profile pic/header/banner. If granted, credit must be clearly displayed on your profile.
Commissioned art is only to be used by the commissioner.
I do not allow my art to be reposted/republished. Any form of edits or use of genAI to my work is strictly prohibited!

Q: What is your Instagram account?

My current Instagram account is @startist17.shop. I used to operate out of @startiist17, but due to login issues, I have been unable to access this account since late May 2025. If you would like to tag me or contact me via Instagram, please refer to @startist17.shop!

Q: How can I contact you for questions/collabs?

The best way is through email at [email protected]!
While I check my Instagram DMs frequently, there is a chance that your message may get lost.

Events Schedule

Events and Consignments are subject to change.
Please visit my Instagram for more details on events I'm attending!
Next Event: Bamtori Anime Market (July 11, 2026)


Upcoming Events

EVENTLOCATIONCITYDATETABLE #
Bamtori's Anime Market 2026Tyndale University CampusNorth YorkJuly 11, 2025TBA
Haikyuu Cupsleeve (Event Name TBA)Chatime @ Jarvis, 163 King St. E.TorontoJuly 25, 2026-
Anirevo TorontoMetro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building)TorontoNov. 13-15, 2026TBA

Consignment/Shop In-Person

SHOPLOCATIONCITYDATE
Artist Alley Shop (MTL)4357 St Laurent Blvd, H2W 1Z8MontréalOct. 15 - Nov. 14, 2025
Mr. Surprise Toys (Scarborough)3290 Midland Ave. Unit 4, M7V 0C8ScarboroughOct. 1 - Nov. 2, 2025
Mr. Surprise Toys (Sudbury)1349 Lasalle Blvd Unit 116, P3A 1Z2Greater SudburyJuly 24 - Sept. 7, 2025
Mr. Surprise Toys (Scarborough)3290 Midland Ave. Unit 4, M7V 0C8ScarboroughMay 21 - June 29, 2025

Past Events

EVENTLOCATIONCITYDATETABLE #
UTM BIAAG Valentine's MarketCCT Atrium @ UofT Mississauga CampusMississaugaFeb. 4, 2026-
TSUS Winter MarketSLC Building @ TMU CampusTorontoJan. 20, 2026-
Artist Alley Shop Pop Up665 Yonge St., M4Y 1Z9TorontoJan. 11, 2026-
Anirevo TorontoMetro Toronto Convention Centre (North Building)TorontoNov. 21-23, 2025A70
Retail Week @ TRSMTRSM Building @ TMU CampusTorontoNov. 10, 12-13, 2025-
Bias and Baubles MarketSociety Clubhouse, 967 College StreetTorontoOct. 25, 2025Table 14
TMU GG OrientationSCC Building @ TMU CampusTorontoOct. 20, 2025-
FestM (Anime Fiesta)International Center (Hall 5), 6900 Airport Rd.MississaugaOct. 4-5, 2025A072
TEA TMU Fall MarketSLC Building @ TMU CampusTorontoSept. 16. 2025-
Fanexpo CanadaMetro Toronto Convention CentreTorontoAug. 21-24, 2025C06
What Will You Become Tomorrow? CSEChatime @ Jarvis, 163 King St. E.TorontoAug. 2, 2025-
Bamtori's Anime Market 2.0Tyndale University CampusNorth YorkJuly 19, 2025Table #6 (EW)
happy cute martThornhill Community CenterMarkhamJune 14, 2025Table 6
Anime NorthToronto Congress CenterTorontoMay 23-25, 2025AA 205
Interesting Things Pop-Up MarketInteresting Things, 173 Baldwin St.TorontoMay 3, 2025-
Toronto Game ExpoExhibition Place, Queen Elizabeth BuildingTorontoMar. 29-30, 2025AA T65
MUTUAL CREΔTIAAvant Garde, 218 Merton St.TorontoMar. 8-9, 2025Table A05
Gacha Get-TogetherSCC Building @ TMU CampusTorontoMar. 7, 2025-
Bamtori's Valentine's Day MarketTyndale University CampusNorth YorkFeb. 1, 2025Table #12 (EW)
Bamtori's JingleBam MarketTyndale University CampusNorth YorkDec. 7, 2024Table #36 (EW)
UTMSU's Christmas MarketUofT Mississauga CampusMississaugaNov. 28, 2024Table #26
Shop The SLC: A Winter MarketSLC Amphitheatre @ TMU CampusTorontoNov. 20, 2024-
Bamtori's AAPI Fall Harvest MarketTyndale University CampusNorth YorkSept. 21, 2024Table #5 (EW)
TMU Orientation Night MarketGould St. @ TMU CampusTorontoAug. 26, 2024-
Bamtori's Anime MarketTyndale University CampusNorth YorkJuly 13, 2024Table #3 (EW)
TMU Film FestIMA Building @ TMU CampusTorontoMay 1-2, 2024-
Genshiken FestivalUofGuelph University CenterGuelphMar. 23, 2024Booth #7
Dino Overload CSETiger Sugar @ Yonge/CollegeTorontoFeb. 17, 2024-
SooKwan CSEKung Fu Tea @ WellesleyTorontoJan. 7, 2023-
Woohaohae CSEKung Fu Tea @ WellesleyTorontoNov. 12, 2022-