Madi Braun is Oldestdog.
Illustrator, painter, and photographer currently attending OCAD University.
Feel welcome to reach out as well for inquiries about my availability, rates, or just to say hello!
— Scroll down to learn more about Madi Braun —
Madi Braun is a Toronto based artist, oldest daughter of an oldest daughter, with one younger sister 22 months apart from her. She is currently studying to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design as a part of the Illustration program at OCAD University and planning to graduate with honours in 2026.
Going by “oldestdog” on social media, Madi is a multimedia artist, having worked digitally and using traditional mediums as well. Primarily she uses acrylic paints and Procreate to create her works, though she loves to work in pen and watercolour as well, and incorporating a tactile feel into her work even if it is made digitally.
Madi’s work tends to focus on the expression of one’s identity and the whimsical nature of the world we live in. She is inspired by plants, creatures, folk art and stories, fantasy, and family. Creating a sense of “home” and familiarity is very important to them.
More About Madi
I am motivated by colour, surrealism, and fantastical imagery. I’ve found that playing Dungeons and Dragons every week especially has helped me grow that curiosity of fantasy and I really enjoy it. I also love my two standard poodles, Greta and Jet, and enjoy walking them out in nature when I’m visiting my family in Cambridge, Ontario.
Education
Madi Braun has been formally trained in the technical skill of illustration, and will receive a Bachelor’s of Design (Honours) in Illustration from OCAD University. Throughout their time at OCAD Madi has gained a practical understanding of illustration, graphic design, painting, colour, form, and composition. As well, they have gained extensive knowledge on both traditional and digital forms of media.
Illustration & Painting
Madi enjoys utilizing both traditional and digital mediums in order to create their work. Their primary way of creating at this moment is through acrylic paint and watercolour, though they enjoy bringing a handmade feel to each of their work, even if it is digital. Madi’s interest in illustration began when she was a child and has been a passion of hers ever since. Her work tends to lean towards possibilities in illustrating for magazines or newspapers, or children’s books in the future. She has also had experience in illustrating for clothing and brand design.
Photography
Madi finds her practice of photography lends itself well to developing skills in composing her illustrations. Allowing themself to be in nature as well, and explore the world outside through photography, helps her to broaden her horizons and gather inspiration through colour, form, and the natural world. She has experience primarily with her Canon 80D digital camera, though has also experimented with polaroids and other types of cameras as well.
Interests
Madi Braun finds herself interested in going on hikes in the woods around Cambridge, mainly in Ayr, Ontario, and makes an effort to surround herself in nature whenever possible. She also likes visiting coffee shops and has an appreciation for the culture of coffee. Often in the summer she will go to Huntsville in order to escape the city, and enjoys kayaking, swimming, and campfires. She is also interested in folklore and mystical creatures, often allowing these ideas to influence creatures in her illustrations. She has two standard poodles as well in Cambridge with her mother and sister that she loves dearly, and enjoys walking them any chance she gets. Their names are Greta (5 yrs) and Jet (2 yrs). She is currently part of a DnD campaign as well and enjoys playing with the group on Sunday nights, this is her first campaign — at the moment she is playing a Firbolg race (look them up, they’re adorable) with a monk class.
So — where did “oldestdog” come from?
Well, since you made it this far… I’ll tell you. I have always loved the imagery of an old dog, what comes to your mind when you think of one? They’re smelly, can’t move well anymore, are maybe blind and deaf, missing a few teeth, right? I like the idea of the pure and loveable creature of a dog, panting and wagging its tail, still finding its way into our hearts even when they’re slightly grumpy, and less desirable to be around. Isn’t that what we all want? To be loved even at our weakest and stinkiest moments?
Me and my family had a poodle for 17 years, we got him when I was 4, and we had to let him go when I was 21. This little poodle’s name was Decker, and we loved him with our whole heart. Decker, however, basically started smelling and going deaf when he was about 7 or 8 years old, he was just getting started! Compared to all my friends dogs, Decker was the oldest, and acted so, but we all loved him dearly. I like to compare myself to the oldest dog in this way, as I am the oldest daughter. Eldest daughter’s are a weird breed. Eldest daughters, first born granddaughters, and daughters of another eldest daughter, grow up in an interesting way. You find yourself holding responsibility for things as a child, and learning how to navigate that as you grow up.
I hope to reach you with the sentiment of the oldest dog, as I think we can all relate to it in some human way. Just give us treats and love, in what ways are you old?
