Founder of Wraith

Tavis Coburn grew up in Canada, primarily in London, Ontario, before spending time in Mississauga and eventually settling in Toronto. His childhood was marked by frequent moves, which exposed him to a wide range of cultural influences and visual experiences. These early shifts in environment helped cultivate his appreciation for graphic storytelling and mid-century design aesthetics that would later define his career.

​

Even as a young boy, Tavis was drawn to bold, visually striking imagery. He was passionate about comic books, vintage advertisements, classic sci-fi covers, and the dynamic compositions found in 1940s and 1950s print media. This love for retro visual styles never faded—in fact, it laid the foundation for his signature artistic approach, which fuses nostalgia with modern technique.

​

Skateboarding also played a central role in his youth. He spent countless hours on a board, not just skating but immersing himself in the subculture's rebellious creativity. The graphic-heavy world of skate decks and zines became a visual playground and inspiration source. That connection to skate culture followed him into adulthood, where he later became involved in organizing skate festivals in Toronto and celebrating the scene through his art.

​

From an early age, Tavis had a strong creative drive. Whether it was sketching futuristic vehicles or absorbing the visual language of pulp fiction and album covers, he showed a keen eye for detail and a desire to make images that told stories. Those childhood passions—for retro design, visual storytelling, and subcultural art—evolved into a career that has earned him global recognition, yet still reflects the vibrant, analog-rooted world he grew up loving.