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

I’m Adina, the illustrator and small business owner behind Primarie Studio. I create whimsical and cozy worlds often told through my two cats, Haru and Bunga. My love for cats, literature, nature, and little trinkets inspires much of my work, and I enjoy bringing those details into my illustrations. I often work with a warm colour palette to reflect the comfort and sentiment I want people to feel when they see my art.

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?

I’d name this cover Blooming Companions. I’ve always seen my cats as my companions rather than my ‘children.’ They’re little friends who share life’s quiet, everyday moments with me. Pairing them with flowers felt natural, because flowers represent growth, warmth, and new beginnings. So the name reflects both the bond I have with my cats and the cozy, uplifting mood I want this design to bring to people who use it.

My cover design is inspired by my two cats, Haru and Bunga. They are always at the center of my work and a big part of Primarie Studio. For this design, I wanted to show the idea of companionship through parallel drawings of them, almost like two reflections on the front and back cover. The story behind it is about connection, that feeling of being tied together even if there’s space or distance in between.

I added details that I often use in my illustrations like lily of the valley, clovers, and soft stars. They’re small elements, but they hold meaning for me and make the piece feel more personal. Even though I draw digitally, I wanted the final artwork to have texture and feel handmade, like something you’d find in an old illustrated book. I started with sketches of mirrored layouts and slowly built it up with those details until it felt complete.

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

Creativity has always been how I express myself when words don’t come easily. I’ve always found it easier to draw what I feel rather than explain it, so illustration became my way of communicating. Through my art, I share things I love and hold close, like my cats, quiet moments, and little details in nature. It helps me connect with myself, but also with others who find comfort in the same things.

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

I think my individuality comes from being honest with the things I love and putting them into my art. My work always circles back to my cats, nature, literature, and small dainty objects. These elements keep appearing in my illustrations almost like characters in an ongoing story. I also tend to use a warm colour palette and soft details, which makes my work feel consistent and familiar. I don’t really focus on standing out, I just try to create in a way that feels true to me, and I think that’s what makes my work unique.

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

Creativity gives people a way to express themselves and share their perspectives, even when words aren’t enough. It can connect people, spark conversations, and inspire new ways of thinking. I’ve seen it in action when my art reaches someone who relates to the mood, story, or little details I include. Even something as small as a cozy illustration of my cats can make someone feel seen or calm, and that sense of connection and shared experience is really empowering.

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?

Yes, my art does not always fit current memes or social media trends and some people might find my colour palette soft or understated. At first this made me doubt myself but I realised that following trends too closely could dilute my voice. I overcame this by focusing on what I genuinely enjoy creating and letting my personal vision guide my work.

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

I would say, just start. Do not wait until everything feels perfect or until you know exactly who you are as an artist. Your individuality develops naturally as you create more work and experiment. Keep exploring what excites you and trust that your unique style and voice emerge with time.

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

This year I want to get my products into more bookstores and shops so more people can discover and connect with my work. I also want to collaborate with bigger brands as it would challenge me creatively and help me grow professionally. On top of that I want to focus on creating more mindful artworks and products that feel intentional and truly reflect my vision rather than following trends.

Where can we see more of your work?

I'm mostly active on my Instagram @primarie.studio