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Introduction to Eureka
An artist who built herself up from an architecture graduate to the founder of her own art studio, with a style so soothing it brings peace into your life. Taking inspiration from the architecture around her, Nur Ashikin (popularly known as Eureka) brings life to her pieces through a stylized approach to the warmth of living.
Interview with Eureka
We’ve had the honor of interviewing Eureka once more for her contributions, so join us in exploring her work and inspirations by diving into her creative mind.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist/creator?
Hi! You can call me Eureka. I graduated with a Masters in Architecture in 2019 and am currently working as a full-time artist/illustrator. I founded EurekartStudio while studying for my degree in architecture. I’ve been doing art since I was very little! My work is inspired by my passion for colors and the things I love—Mother Nature, celestial objects, architecture, and even life itself.
How would you describe your artistic style and influences?
My artistic style is deeply influenced by the things I love, the artists I admire, and the colors and objects I cherish in my own home. My work tends to be more stylized than realistic, with a modern flair and a touch of texture to evoke a hand-drawn feeling, since I used to work with traditional media a lot. Green is my favorite color, and you'll often see warm tones in my work, which reflect my personal style and the colors I enjoy wearing.
Are there any specific themes or messages you wanted to convey through the cover?
In the previous collection I did with Mossery, we explored the mysteries and beauty of the night sky. ‘Celestial Dream’ was about my passion for the night. This time around, I’m excited to introduce a new theme exploring the fresh and vibrant energy of spring and the daytime! The first cover is called ‘Picnic Diary.’ It captures a serene, picturesque scene where a young girl enjoys a peaceful picnic with her furry friends while writing in her diary. Surrounded by a lush green meadow, colorful blooming flowers, and beautiful mountains in the distance under a bright blue sky. The second cover is called ‘Cherished Memories.’ I’m imagining this cover to be like an illustrated map documenting cherished memories within the pages of the girl’s diary. It captures the essence of a beautiful adventure in vibrant spring, with blooming flowers and foliage. Cozy homes are nestled among trees and surrounded by nature.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the creation of these covers?
I'm doing my best to minimize the use of black in this collection, and to be honest, it's been quite a challenge! I almost chose black as the base for my second cover, but in the end, I decided to push myself and try something different. This collection is all about capturing the bright and sunny spring under a clear blue sky. I’m glad I did, and I personally love both covers. I think they complement each other well. Hope you love them too!
What materials and techniques did you use for these covers?
I started with preliminary sketches on my iPad Pro using the Procreate app. Once the art direction and concept were finalized, I moved to my Wacom tablet for a refined linework and coloring process. I love working with both! Procreate makes the sketching and drafting process feel free and easy, almost like working with real pencil and paper. I like switching to Photoshop on my Wacom for finished and larger-scale work due to its advanced features and flexibility.
Were there any hidden details or symbolism in the design?
Actually, not really. Everything is quite straightforward, as I’ve been leaning towards a cleaner and simplified look in my illustrations these days. Cover 2 has a more playful vibe, featuring quirky-shaped trees and plants, cute houses, and simple flowers that add pops of color to the design. I think it looks fun and lively!
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?
Keep making art and sharing it without worrying about whether it's good enough, whether it will sell, or whether it will make you famous or go viral. While following trends can be good practice, it’s important to focus on what you truly enjoy and discover your own unique style. Good art comes from within and often reflects the artist's soul. You don't need to impress everyone; the right people will find and appreciate your work.
Are there any artists or creators who inspire you?
I’ve recently been inspired by a lot of artists on Instagram who work in mediums other than illustration, like woodworking and ceramics. Artists like Jay Daniel Wright, Ulrike Lea Moormann, James Cowman, Wyatt Hersey, and many more!
Do you have a favorite Mossery product?
It’s hard to name just a few, but the new Elixir 2025 planner by S. Nadhir caught my attention recently!
Any final thoughts?
Thank you so much for supporting my work and other living artists! I’ve always believed that even in this digital and AI era, art will never lose its value. Art makes our world richer and more vibrant in ways technology alone cannot.
Thank you to Eureka for sharing her creative journey and the inspiration behind her beautiful spring-themed covers. If her work blending architecture, nature, and celestial elements interests you, check out her collaborations with us here under the Artists section!
