Dark Market 2025 Illustrator: Avery Miller
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MEET THE ARTIST
Avery Miller
(he/they)
Illustration, 2026
The Dark Market is a spooky collection of works by Columbia artists with an emphasis on the macabre. Enjoy a sampling of spooky items on display now in store and online through November 3, 2025.
Every year ShopColumbia commissions an original illustration to promote our The Dark Market. Get to know this year's illustrator: Avery Miller!
Dark Market 2025 signature illustration by Avery Miller
What inspired you to create this illustration?
When I was given the prompt “cabinet of curiosities” the first thing I immediately thought of was my time at the International Surgical Museum. I am highly inspired by the sciences, specifically biology and I thought it would be interesting to include things such as specimen jars, bones and taxidermy. I also thought to include references to the occult as I also am an actively practicing witch myself. All and all I wanted my illustration to be a kind of reflection of an odd collection of things that tells a story about me as a person just through the objects alone, a sort of “cabinet of curiosities" of my own.
Work in progress sketches by Avery Miller
How have you benefited from designing the Dark Market illustration?
This has been a great learning experience for me as I have not been commissioned by a client to make an illustration before! It really was great to learn more about how communication with a client as well as being flexible to adjust things on the fly is such an important part of the process. It was also amazing to be able to see my work on such a large scale as well as being all over campus, especially being able to see people enjoying my art out in the wild.
Dark Market 2025 poster by Avery Miller
What is your favorite part of Halloween?
Is it too cliché to say everything? But in all seriousness I think I enjoy being able to indulge in the weird and bizarre in a way that is not seen as super unusual. I love all things horror and weird and during October I feel like that is the time to really get into it. I love dressing up, I love the colors, the decorations, the fun accessories. It really is my favorite time of the year!
Give us an update about recent projects/artistic life events; what's next for you?
I am currently finishing up my second to last semester of school which is both a little terrifying and exciting! I have been very busy with class work and building out my portfolio as well as catalog for INKFest next year. I have been getting really into printmaking as well as helping out with the new mural going up in the 5th Floor of the student center, so keep an eye out if you want to see how our process is going. I'm also going to be studying abroad in Japan this January and I am so unbelievably excited!!
Artist Statement
Avery Miller is a multimedia artist and illustrator based in Chicago. Through their works they seek to explore the human condition in all of its messy, beautiful glory. They often pull inspiration from exploring their own experiences as a queer, trans, and neurodivergent individual. They love to experiment as much as possible with materials and techniques, as almost a reflection of their own evolving experiences and identity. In their free time they enjoy crafting, making and eating good food, and being out in nature.