Karina Aurelia is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Indonesia, known for her emotionally rich and color-forward artwork. A naturally introspective artist, Karina uses bold forms and vibrant palettes as a means of self-expression, often portraying disproportionate human figures that challenge conventional beauty standards. Her illustrations draw inspiration from plus-size yogi videos and modern Japanese styles, merging softness with strength in a way that invites viewers into her evolving view of identity and existence.

Originally trained in a more traditional aesthetic; slender, fair-skinned figures shaped by global beauty ideals, Karina has since broken away from those norms. Her current style embraces uniqueness, imperfection, and individuality, reflecting a personal journey of self-discovery. Alongside her artistic growth, she has participated in exhibitions and competitions such as Unknown Asia, Bharatika, Sinestesia, and HUG, and is steadily working toward turning her lifelong passion for drawing into a full-time illustration career.

We asked Karina about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

Your characters are beautifully bold and wonderfully disproportionate — what drew you to this unique style of representing the human form?

My original style of drawing the human form is slender, tall, and fair-skinned. As I mostly drew female characters, I followed unconventional beauty ideals, a standard set and reinforced for all women in the world. I believe that's an unbreakable rule that we are expected to follow as women.

Over time, I grew up and kinda grew out of that mindset. I didn't follow the beauty standard anymore. I started questioning what beauty really means, and whether I truly resonated with the ideals I used to believe. I wanted to create something unique that does not adhere to social standards. My current style is a form of self-expression. It's my attempt to stand out and celebrate differences and imperfections.

You’ve mentioned being inspired by plus-size yogi videos — tell us more!

Somewhere in 2018, my mom shared many videos of plus-size yogis, all to encourage me to work out and live a healthier lifestyle (which I embraced a few years later). She also suggested that I draw these plus-size yogis in my style and post them on my social media as content. Eventually, those videos caught my attention, and I slowly adapted the drawing style of curvy and disproportionate human figures and incorporated it into my artwork to this day.

Modern Japanese illustration is one of your influences — are there specific artists or elements from that style that inspire you most?

When I was young, I was infatuated with Japanese manga and anime. I grew up watching some of the greatest 90s anime and owned a bunch of Japanese manga collections. I took inspiration from them and recreated my favorite characters in my style. In my earlier era, before starting to draw digitally, I used to draw in black-and-white style and include elements resembling Japanese folk patterns like seigaiha (waves), uroko (scales), and ichimatsu (checkerboards). The dynamic aesthetic and vibrant color of Japanese modern illustration still influence my artwork today.

Color plays a huge role in your work. How do you choose your palette, and do specific colors represent certain emotions for you?

I intentionally chose a vibrant and contrasting color palette to make my artwork stand out and also to represent the other side of me that isn't always visible. Vibrant colors and playful forms are my language—it’s how I express what I can’t always say out loud. Behind every colorful or disproportionate human character is a story, a question, or a thought I’m exploring.

As someone who identifies as introverted, how has art helped you communicate things that are otherwise hard to express?

I'm introverted by nature and not always good with words, so it's often a challenge for me to explain how I feel to other people. Through art as an outlet, I'm able to explore and express my emotions, thoughts, and questions that I choose to hold on to. Drawing helps me process experiences and connect with others in a way without needing to say too many words out loud.

From competitions to community events like Weecanfest and HUG, what has been the most rewarding part of sharing your work publicly?

One moment that made me proud was having my work featured in publications and online articles and reaching people I never thought I could reach. It feels incredibly humbling to know that my vibrant artwork can resonate with others. Also, being part of the local and international creative community like HUG has allowed me to connect with fellow artists who inspire me to keep going and pursue more opportunities.

Do you remember a moment when you realized, “Yes, this could actually be my full-time path"?

I started my career as a full-time graphic designer. Back then, I wanted to try something new, rather than keep drawing on paper, so I pursued a study in Visual Communication. After 8 years of working as a graphic designer, I realized that I had a change of heart and slowly became uninterested in things I originally did for a living. The feeling intensified more after I got my first iPad and started to learn to use Procreate in 2022. This sparked my passion for drawing, and from that moment, I decided to start transitioning into a full-time Illustrator/Artist. Currently, I'm juggling between working as a graphic designer, crafting my illustration portfolio, and seeking more exposure to wider audiences through exhibitions/competitions/features. Hopefully, I can land a representation with one of the illustration agencies out there.

What is a fun fact about you?

Before realizing my love for art and drawing, I once dreamed of becoming a nurse. The idea of taking care of people in need and making them feel better intrigued me as a young kid. I even created a drawing about it at school (which I couldn't find anymore). Looking back, as an emerging artist, I think that the same desire to take care and make a feeling better still shows up, only this time it is for myself and my well-being.

What else fills your time when you’re not creating art?

Right now, I'm taking a break from yoga—life can be busy and overwhelming sometimes. When I can, I love going for a jog or simply relaxing at home to clear my mind. I also enjoy visiting museums or aesthetic places for inspiration. Sometimes the best things are just sitting in front of my laptop, browsing to satisfy my curiosity, or listening to music.