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Meet Nadhir Nor
Meet Nadhir Nor, a local illustrator from Selangor, Malaysia, who is constantly enthralled by pairing absurdity with elegance. He aims to spread the message that everything in life deserves celebration. His works, inspired by mythology, evoke a sense of mystique and ethereality paired with a feeling of mild chaos.
@snadhir’s dedication to expression adds nuance to his work as he plays around with contrasting themes.
Join us in exploring his creative journey and the thought process behind the production of his covers.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist/creator?
My name is Nadhir Nor, and I am an illustrator from Selangor, Malaysia. I work on sequential projects and illustrations for tabletop games, graphic novels, and watercolor paintings. My work often explores mythology, culture, and queer relationships.
How would you describe your artistic style and influences?
Right now, I am very inspired by Elden Ring’s newest DLC and Charli XCX’s Brat. I love the interconnectedness of ER’s lore for world-building and how they boldly marry absurdity with elegance. Similarly, Charli XCX does this brilliantly, playing with off-putting elements and brattiness while making every detail of her storytelling infectious. In my work, I aim to embrace these juxtapositions, keeping everything tender and intriguing despite brash overtones.
Are there any specific themes or messages you wanted to convey through the cover?
I want to convey that everything deserves grace and the space to bloom and tell its stories, even though we’re told our entire lives that these things don’t deserve celebration or acknowledgment.
Did you face any challenges or obstacles while creating the design? If so, how did you overcome them?
Usually, I struggle with high expectations and visualized ideas that don’t execute as I imagined. Working with simple linework and color palettes, I often have to remind myself to embrace the simplicity of negative space and avoid over-detailing.
What materials or techniques did you use to bring your design to life?
For these pieces, I used Photoshop on my iPad with brushes by Shiyoon Kim and Kyle Webster.
Are there any hidden details or symbolism in your design that you'd like to share with us?
For Elixir, the plant on the far right is based on one I have on my desk. This piece envisions a scene where we all ooze and sap with elixirs of inspiration to exchange with one another. It’s a reminder that inspiration is everywhere and should be appreciated. For Debris, it explores the memories and experiences that make us who we are. Some stay forever, like tattoos, while others drift and vanish like debris.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists or creators who want to make their mark in the industry?
Have fun with your art and work on things that feel personal to you—no one else can tell your stories. Our voices and stories are often underrepresented, so share them if you can.
Are there any other artists or creators who inspire you in your work?
I’m inspired by Kushagra Gupta, Yuchen Horng, Salman Toor, qing_yiii (IG), Louis Fratino, Andrew Thomas Huang, James Merry, Jesse Balmer, uwaisuwaisuwais (IG), and kuya_kasuy (IG).
Do you have any favorite Mossery products or designs from other artists that have caught your attention?
Kushagra Gupta’s designs are still my favorite—I bring them everywhere I go. :’)
Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Mossery community and those who appreciate your work?
Support your local artists, brands, and platforms. The beautiful things we see happening locally wouldn’t be possible without all of us. <3
Thank you, Nadhir, for sharing your artistic journey and vision. If his insights inspired you to appreciate the beauty in life's complexities, check out his work with us here under the Artists section!
