Susan Soltau
I grew up surrounded by creativity. My father, who ran J.S. & Associates, worked in graphic art and printing, producing packaging and design for produce companies. I watched him connect farmers, printers, and stores with his work, and it taught me early on that art is as much about people as it is about aesthetics.
With access to the Adobe Suite at a young age, I discovered the possibilities of digital art and taught myself to bring ideas to life onscreen. From there, my curiosity expanded into acrylic painting, clay, leatherwork, and mixed media. Each new material felt like a different language for storytelling.
I’ve always been a daydreamer — the kid staring out the classroom window imaging dragons wheeling through the sky. Those dreams followed me into adulthood and eventually became the foundation of my graphic novel series, Rajin: Edge of Darkness.
Today, through Dragon Half Art, I carry forward both my dad’s legacy of connection and my own passion for imagination. My goal isn’t just to make art, but to empower others to create boldly, explore different mediums, and discover the joy of turning daydreams into something tangible.

Dragon Half Art Bio

Dragon Half Art is more than an art brand — it’s a creative hub designed for the dreamers, the makers, and the adventurers who can’t find their place in traditional art spaces. Where most art programs focus narrowly on fine art or standardized craft, Dragon Half Art bridges the gap for Vancouver’s growing geek, fantasy, and LARP communities by offering a space that celebrates the unusual, the imaginative, and the hands-on.
Our mission is to create eco-conscious, inclusive art experiences that spark inspiration while reducing waste.
From upcycled materials to mobile workshops that meet people where they are, Dragon Half Art delivers unique opportunities rarely found elsewhere in the region. We specialize in areas that have long been underserved — like leathercraft, fantasy-inspired design, multimedia classes, and custom commissions that honor individual creativity.
Looking to the future, Dragon Half Art envisions a brick-and-mortar studio and gallery: a place where artists can rent workshop space, use specialized equipment, take or teach classes, and display their work.
It will be a home for collaboration — where local artists, cosplayers, gamers, and
fantasy enthusiasts gather not just to consume art, but to make it, live it, and share it.
In a city that’s hungry for imaginative outlets and inclusive community spaces,
Dragon Half Art fills the gap — proving that art doesn’t have to be ordinary, and neither do you.

Accessible Art Education – Affordable, hands-on workshops in painting, clay, digital art, and leathercraft — filling the gap left by shrinking school arts programs and expensive studio classes.
Sustainable & Upcycled Creations – Eco-friendly art and products made from repurposed materials, offering conscious alternatives to mass-produced décor and crafts from big-box retailers.
Custom Fantasy & LARP Commissions – Props, leather goods, and handmade curios designed for roleplayers, cosplayers, and collectors — a niche rarely served by mainstream stores.
Mobile Pop-Up Experiences – Traveling classes and art booths for schools, rural communities, markets, and conventions, bringing creative opportunities to places where resources are limited.
Geek & Imaginative Art Spaces – Products and workshops celebrating dragons, comics, and storytelling worlds, giving Vancouver’s growing geek/fantasy community a creative home.
Future Local Creative Hub – A brick-and-mortar makerspace where artists can rent equipment, host classes, and sell their work — strengthening Vancouver’s creative economy and reducing reliance on national chains.