Can you tell us more about you and what you do?

I'm Junyi, a Singapore-based illustrator working under the alias Birkbushka. My art is a whimsical blend of nature, character design, and playful storytelling, often inspired by gardens, animals, and the quiet magic of everyday life. I love creating vibrant scenes filled with charming, fruit-themed sprites and imaginative objects that invite curiosity and joy. My work is a celebration of gentle fantasy, crafted to bring a little warmth and wonder to your day.

Every artwork tells a story. What inspired your cover design, what narrative or message are you conveying through your cover design, and can you share the creative process that led to its final form?

Inspired by the viral 'pookie' meme online, I merged this endearing nickname with one of my favourite childhood snacks - the pocky! This is just one of the many ways I like to blend internet culture with symbols of nostalgia to evoke a sense of whimsy and humor.

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

As an illustrator, I see creativity as a quiet but powerful form of self-expression— one that allows me to turn fleeting thoughts and feelings into something tangible and gently magical. My work is inspired by the small wonders of everyday life: a garden in full bloom, a shared snack, a moment of calm. Through whimsical characters, nature-rich scenes, and playful details, I explore themes of comfort, curiosity, and belonging. Each piece I create reflects how I experience the world—not always loud or dramatic, but full of softness, colour, and hidden stories. In sharing my illustrations, I hope to offer others the same quiet joy and imaginative escape that creating them gives to me.

How do you define your individuality as an artist, and in what ways does this uniqueness manifest in your creations?

My unique artist identity is defined by my ability to find magic in the simplest moments. For instance, I like to think from the position of a tiny mouse exploring our universe. How would they interact with a teapot or a biscuit tin full of sewing supplies? I think my ability to reflect new perspectives to my audience is what attracts others to my work.

In your perspective, what role does creativity play in empowering individuals and communities, and how have you witnessed this power in action?

I believe that everyone carries an innate urge to create purely for themselves—a form of play that offers one of the few true expressions of agency in a world that often demands our labor for others. In many ways, to create is to assert one’s existence: I create, therefore I am. Through art, we respond to the world around us while also documenting our inner landscapes. It becomes both a mirror and a language for expressing who we are beyond expectation or obligation.

Have you faced any challenges in maintaining your individuality in your work, especially in the face of trends or external expectations? How did you overcome them?

Absolutely! As a designer working for a fashion firm, my task is to execute the vision of my superiors. What I believe to be the better design option may be overwritten to preserve profit margins. That's why I must continue to create under Birkbushka—to preserve my creative agency.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find and express their individuality through their work?

I believe the process matters more than the outcome. In an age of AI, I worry that more people are tempted to bypass the challenges and slow growth that come with developing a craft. But it’s through that very struggle that an artist truly discovers and refines their unique voice. The final artwork becomes far more meaningful and satisfying when it’s the result of honest effort and self-discovery.

What’s the one thing you want to accomplish this year?

I want to expand beyond the realm of paper goods to introduce more products. I hope for Birkbushka to one day be a successful lifestyle brand.

Where can we see more of your work?

You can find my art on Instagram @birkbushka!