Kiara Mucci

I received a lovely compliment this year from a client who said my work brought so much heart to a project.. to me that’s about as good as it gets in the illustration and design world. Here are some highlights of some of my favourite work this year. It was a pleasure to collaborate with so many wonderful people on projects that meant so much to them (and me!). Special thanks to power duo @caitiecat12 and @bluefairywren at @makeshift_creative.first.aid for entrusting me with the epic job of illustrating their vital book “Creative First Aid”, which is available end of Feb through @murdochbooks 🤩 Gearing up for another big year of drawing, playing with colour and creative problem-solving 🔥 If you want to get in touch, head to my website via link in bio.

Creek music 🍂

Warming up my drawing brain with this Fire Horse print for 2026 🔥 It was fascinating hearing Helen Goh speak on Conversations, about the belief that Fire Horse years bring girls into the world that create huge forces of nature 💥 I think we need some strong feminine energy to balance out all the tech bros and dictators pls 😳

🌀Floating Between Worlds🌀 January artwork ~ the first artwork in my calendar, and it seems very fitting, as we lose track of days and loll about in the ocean before heading back into the usual routines of work/school/structure! I drew this image while waiting for my first baby to arrive, a strange yet beautiful limbo, when I felt I was right on the precipice of a new life. Thanks to everyone who supported my work last year, I can’t express how much I appreciate it 💙

Time is strange. Dad died six years ago, before the bushfires that ravaged the south coast, before Covid, before the avalanche of grandkids came along.. and it often still feels like I might drive past him walking on seacliff bridge, or spot him bobbing in the lineup at Sharkies on a clear day. I sometimes lament the fact that looking after two little kids makes it difficult to slow down and smell the freesias (his favourite), so when we go for our yearly walk in Jamberoo to remember him, it’s special to slow down, amble along and listen to the birds, just as he did. He is very missed and much loved, always.

A big thank you everyone who has ordered a calendar or contacted me to go on the local pick up list ✨ The full order will be going to be print on Monday so if you haven’t nabbed one yet or contacted me to pop your name down, please do over the weekend so I print the right amount 🥰 Will also have a couple available in the coming weeks at @flametreecoop in Thirroul and @number99pk in Port Kembla if you prefer the bricks and mortar option 💕 It means the world to small freelancers and artists like me to be supported this way! Thank you friends x Link to website is in bio and via stories 💝

WIP sketch of favourite local building ~ Coledy RSL 🌴

Loved creating this illustration for the Illawarra Guardians of the Grassy Woodlands project 🍃 feat. my favourite backyard visitor, the Eastern Spinebill! The good folk at @softpower_studio did a beautiful job screenprinting this design onto some buttery soft tees, just in time for the Illawarra Nature Fest coming up in PK at the end of Sept 💛

I’ve just opened up some custom illustration spots on my website for some quirky family portraits 💝 The way it works: - purchase a custom spot (link in bio) - fill in the order form and tell me a little bit about your family (pets and favourite toys/clothes can be included!) - add your email and I’ll contact you for photo references - allow three weeks turnaround time for sketching and printing 💝 That’s it! These will be printed beautifully by the good folks at Hound & Bone Studio and delivered to your door 🪴 Here’s an illustrated portrait of my little fam, for inspo ✨

It’s easy to think “what is the point of protesting?”, particularly in the face of massive cruelty in the world. At low points I have definitely had that thought. Yesterday’s March for Humanity showed how powerful the act of protest is- not only in putting pressure on the people who are meant to represent us, and making strong and sane demands, but also in its power to remind those who care that they are NOT ALONE. I’ve never seen such an incredible, diverse group of humans coming together (in the pouring rain no less), the amazing Jewish protesters, queer community, Muslims, so many families, older folk, disabled folk.. it felt like the despair of the last two years was lifted up on everyone’s shoulders for a few hours. There is a long way to go to a Palestine that is free- free from genocide, free from forced starvation, and ultimately free from occupation. Let’s take the momentum from yesterday and use it to buoy us in further action, putting pressure on our govt to impose sanctions, stop arms trade and do whatever they can to break the blockade of aid. And if you couldn’t make it, please don’t feel guilt or shame, there are lots of reasons why not everyone could march. Email Penny Wong today, use that feeling that you get when you see the incredible footage of the march, to propel you into one action for Gaza today 👊

Golden browns in Japan 💛🤎 (last one, promise) 1. Garden shoes 2. Very good ramen 3. Paper cranes 4. Fave playground 5. Wabi rope 6. Zen spout 7. Nara local 8-9. Cosiness at Hanare 🧡 10. “Not speaking is the flower” 🪷 11. Selfie before a cedar bath 12. Even the manhole covers are beautiful 13. Cuppa 14-15. Kawakami mtns flowers and fruits 16. Min picking herbs to make tea If you made it this far, thanks for indulging my little series of travel pics. What a huge privilege it was to have this experience with my family, especially at a time when there is so much that is bleak and cruel in the world. It was a dream to be immersed in a culture that appreciates simple, time-worn beauty ~ a lot of inspiration soaked up for years to come 🌿

Greens in Japan 🥬 1. Hanare dream house 🏡 2. Futuristic playground 3-5. Tenjuan garden beauty 4. Hydrangeas 5. Ice cream boy 🍦 6. Totoro rock 7. Persimmon leaf sushi 🍣 8. Minna in the Ghibli rain 9. Yoshino river 💚