Greetings, I'm Stephen Lay the creative mind behind  SLay Illustrations, known simply as SLay.

Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, I built a career in Mississauga’s newspaper industry, spending two decades in marketing, coordination, and ad creation—crafting visuals, managing systems, and sending papers to press. But despite the fast pace, I longed for a more personal creative outlet.

In 2014, while making custom Christmas gifts, I created Mirror Image, a single-panel comic strip inspired by the wit of Larson. It was published in The Brampton Guardian, The East York Chronicle, and beyond. My work expanded from there—illustrating humorous science pieces for Secondcell Bio and political cartoons for TOTimes, always seeking to spark thought and conversation.

A turning point came during a peaceful summer on Lake Superior. Sitting by the campfire, surrounded by nature’s quiet magic, I developed a bold, trippy digital illustration style—one that captures the mystique and wonder of the Canadian landscape.

Inspired by campfires, cottages, coffee and concerts my art is about reflection, tranquility, and connection. Each piece tells a story, offering a moment of peace and inspiration.

So here's to the future, where creativity knows no limits, and dreams are boundless.

Remain in wonder.

Stephen Lay (SLay)

Illustrator | Cartoonist | SLay Illustrations