We're so excited to introduce the Pela x Adam the Illustrator Artist Series — a collection of phone cases featuring the bold, uplifting artwork of Toronto-based illustrator Adam Bosley, known online as @adamtheillustrator. Rooted in encouraging words, expressive characters, and the belief that things are going to be okay, Adam's work brings warmth, humour, and genuine human connection to your everyday carry.
From spikey hearts with boundaries to basketball characters that have become iconic, these cases carry more than just your phone. And like all Pela cases, they're made with plants, not plastic — compostable protection made right here in Canada.
Meet Adam the Illustrator: Introduce yourself & tell us a little about your art
I'm Adam Bosley but I go by Adam The Illustrator online. I'm born and raised in Toronto and went to university in the US at a small school in Nebraska called Doane College. That's where I got into Graphic Design back in 2008. I never really illustrated or did any art before that but when I graduated in 2011 I just stuck to creating what I wanted to create. In 2020 I started experimenting with the style I'm most known for and really haven't looked back since.
Walk us through your creative process — what inspires you?
These days I'm mostly inspired by encouraging and uplifting words. That's sort of where the process begins — with a quote or some words in mind — and then I'll illustrate a character that I think reflects those words well.
Also seeing other artists work on really rad installations or activations has me inspired, because that's the type of stuff I want to do too.
What message or feeling do you hope your artwork conveys?
I hope people know that things are going to be okay and we're all in this together. A friend said my work reminded them of a friend checking in and I really liked that. So I guess I hope it feels like a friend checking in.
What's your favourite design from the collection and why?
This is a cop out but all of them hahaha. I mean I love my basketball character — it's literally been my profile pic on Instagram since the start, different iterations of course. The spikey heart is so cute too. It's like — I need love but I got boundaries — and ya, I am more than enough. And the heart sitting... that one got turned into an inflatable two years ago for a Mural Festival in Toronto, so that one holds a special place in my heart.
What's the most exciting part about this collaboration for you?
I'm truly just excited to offer my community a sustainable product that they can carry with them every day. I've never offered phone cases before and the fact that they're compostable and created with a Canadian company makes me very happy. Thanks Pela.
Shop the Pela x Adam the Illustrator Artist Series
Discover the full collection of cases inspired by good vibes, bold characters, and the reminder that things are going to be okay.
Made with plants. Designed with heart. Made in Canada.
Follow Adam's Journey
Want to see more of Adam's work? Follow him on Instagram @adamtheillustrator for new illustrations, behind-the-scenes moments, and the uplifting characters that have built one of Toronto's most beloved creative communities.
