Delve into the dreamy world of Georgia based illustrator - Mari Kakhurishvili. To commission Mari for your next project email [email protected]
What’s your morning ritual? Morning starts for me whenever my little one decides it’s time — no alarm needed! The moment those tiny eyes open, it’s game on. Playtime kicks off right away, which might just be the most effective wake-up call ever invented. Then we have breakfast together as a family, and after that, my working hours begin — quieter and much less chaotic than the morning itself. What’s playing in your studio speakers? It depends on the weather and the project. Mostly 90s alternative rock or indie vibes. After so many lullabies, Spotify sometimes sneaks in a tiny, unexpected lullaby mid-project! What’s your favourite part of your process? Definitely polishing the line work. My sketches usually start rough, just placing objects to figure out the composition. The fun really begins when I start refining those lines — my imagination, hand, and pencil start working in perfect harmony, turning everything clean and alive. That’s the most creative part for me, right alongside coloring, which really sets the mood. What fuels your creativity? I get my creative energy from the people around me. I love watching them express themselves — their stories, the way they move, how they talk. Honestly, sometimes I think I could make a whole comic just from the way someone trips over a sidewalk crack!
Lovely work by Jayde Perkin for the Innovation Department at Queen’s University Belfast. These illustrations capture their innovation community - a vibrant network of researchers, collaborators and creatives working together to turn research into real-world solutions across Northern Ireland.
We’re obsessed with Mari Kakhurishvili’s stunning new artwork for this year’s Children’s Arts Festival at the Island Arts Centre — a joyful array of creative kids making. How cute is this? ✨
‘Compelling … glorious … warm and deft illustrations … a welcome gift in any household.’ — Nadine O’Regan, Irish Times Magazine
It’s no surprise that this big, beautiful book won Best Children’s Book of the Year (Senior) at the @irishbookawards last month. Massive congratulations to Kathi Burke and her dad, John Burke, on another amazing publication. Thanks to Venetia and the team at Gill Books.
From Kathi…
“We wanted to dedicate this book and the beautiful award to everyone who protects Ireland’s wildlife and our natural habitats, which we love so much — the rescuers, rewilders, rehomers, litter-pickers, and activists. We love you!”
“I can do anything I want to, baby. I ain’t lost”
✨ Check out this gorgeous poster for the 90s classic Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, created by UsFolk favourite Stephen Maurice Graham for our SCREEN/PRINT film project in collaboration with @naughtongallery and @qftbelfast .
🎬 Screening: Sunday 28 September, 5pm at @qftbelfast . Stay tuned for more SCREEN/PRINT events coming soon!
Here's a big drawing I made a while ago, which made it's debut at @insidefeelings_bristol back in May, but is currently in Belfast on display in the @naughton_gallery for the UsFolk 7 exhibition. It runs until 5th October. There's an absolute smorgersbord of prints, drawings, mirror painting, textiles, ceramics (+ loads more) by a super talented bunch of illustrators. So go check it out! See @usfolkillustrate 's page for more details.
If you popped down to the Naughton Gallery last Thursday for the UsFolk 7 launch, hopefully you’re still full after feasting on a smorgasbord of illustration. The show features a striking mural framed by a glorious arch, riso prints, mirror painting, textiles, ceramics, and much more.
If you missed the opening, don’t worry — the exhibition runs until 5th October.
A huge thank you to the incredible (and very patient) Naughton Gallery team, Ben and Hannah. Thanks also to Matcha for the tunes, Maria from McGowans Print, Janine from JJ Solutions, Ellen Blair for capturing the night so beautifully, and to RiRa, Out-of-Office, and Mac Ivors Cider for keeping us refreshed all night long. And of course to all our amazing UsFolk illustrators who took part 💚
Next up is the amazing Sam Fred Hinton. If you’ve been wondering who created our nostalgic hug of a poster for UsFolk 7, then look no further. Don’t miss Sam’s loveable work on display at UsFolk 7 this evening from 6pm. Get there early to nab a tote bag featuring Sam’s work. Here’s a bit more about the man himself…
What’s your morning ritual?
Earlier the better for me!! The first thing I’ll do is head downstairs to make myself a cup of tea, I really like that period of time where the kettle’s on the boil and there’s nothing to be doing other than looking out the window. But then I hear a meow coming from behind the cat bowl and I realise someone else needs their little ritual too.
What’s playing in your studio speakers?
When I’m in that idea phase for a project I like to stick on electronic stuff, recently I’ve been delving into Yellow Magic Orchestra and all the albums made by danish duo Svaneborg Kardby. I really love their music and anything ambient/jazzy is usually my go-to for deep focus work. If I’m creating final artwork then I like to stick on a podcast, there’s really only one in particular which I absolutely love called Chatabix. Crunch Crunch !!
What’s your favourite part of your process?
For me the best part is that moment when an idea strikes! You’ve suddenly got the building blocks but you’re still trying to piece it altogether. The possibilities are endless so you’re having to put your design hat on I guess to communicate that initial idea.
What fuels your creativity?
I’ve always been excited by great character design and the commercial possibilities that come when you expand their worlds, whether that’s through branding, children’s books or merchandising. There’s a magic formula to create an icon and I find that fascinating. Other things which always fill my cup are stepping outside and observing changes around me, watching great films and taking photos
