Olivia Ariferiani’s, @oliviariferiani, vibrant palette is a defining characteristic of her distinctive artistry. Each piece bursts with colour, reflecting her belief in the beauty of life’s complexities, while her surreal approach invites viewers to experience a blend of bizarre imagination and morbid optimism. Through delicate lines and vivid hues, she transforms everyday moments into playful yet thought-provoking creations, encouraging an appreciation for the unconventional.

For Oli, the creative process begins with embracing her inner child; it is a journey marked by imagination and exploration rather than mere technique. In the quiet spaces where daydreams flourish, she gathers inspiration that breathes life into her illustrations, allowing her unique vision to unfold.

Continue reading to discover the rich artistic journey that shapes Oli’s captivating works.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist/creator?

Hi, I’m Oli—a self-taught artist and illustrator from Indonesia, now based in Kuala Lumpur. I believe in embracing the inner child because growing up doesn’t mean growing old. Through my art, I transform life’s intricacies into colourful, offbeat creations, blending bizarre imagination with a touch of morbid optimism—all brought to life with delicate lines and vibrant colours.

How would you describe your artistic style and influences?

I tend to create surreal pieces that aren’t always clear-cut at first glance. I like leaving space for interpretation and love when people see different things in my work. As an overthinker, I enjoy playing with details and often pack my work with subtle elements that might go unnoticed at first.

You have developed two designs for this collaboration, could you share the themes or messages you aimed to convey through each cover? We would like to understand your creative vision behind them.

The first design, Dancing Suns, is a surreal reimagination of the phrase "dancing in the rain." I wanted to capture the joy of embracing life’s downpours with childlike wonder. A little reminder to have fun, no matter the storm.

The second design, Untangling Thoughts, is for all the overthinkers out there just like me—the ones who overanalyze every decision and feel everything a little too deeply. This piece explores the idea of sorting through the chaos, untangling every knotted thought and emotion, and finding moments of clarity.

Are there any hidden details or symbolism in your design that you'd like to share with us?

This isn’t exactly a hidden detail, just a little behind-the-scenes thing—but for Dancing Suns, I drew the umbrella with a droplet, and the shape was actually loosely inspired by a jellyfish.

What's the process like when you develop this design? Do you face any challenges or obstacles while creating the design? If so, how did you overcome them?

When I first got the opportunity, I knew I wanted to create something that resonated with the experiences we as creatives go through, while still being broad enough for anyone to enjoy. That’s how I came up with Dancing Suns and Untangling Thoughts.

Figuring out the right colours is always the hardest part for me, especially when it comes to printed pieces. Dancing Suns was surprisingly smooth, I had a clear vision from the start, so the colours fell into place naturally. But Untangling Thoughts was a bit of a struggle. I didn’t have a fixed idea, so it took a lot of experimenting before it finally felt right.

What materials or techniques did you use to bring your design to life?

My process begins with hand-drawn digital sketches to convey the idea, followed by refining the details and experimenting with colour combinations. Final touches, including colour adjustments, are done in Photoshop for the final look.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists or creators who want to make their mark in the industry?

Just keep doing what you love, enjoy the process, and don’t stress too much about making things perfect. Perfection is overrated anyway, and I say this as someone who still obsesses over tiny details.

Are there any other artists or creators who inspire you in your work?

I get a lot of inspiration from modern artists who mix surrealism with a pop look, people like James Jean, So Youn Lee, Hikaru Shimoda, and Roby Dwi Antono. But honestly, I’m just as obsessed with other forms of art too, especially toys! I love Skullpanda, Crybaby, and Zsiga toys just as much.

Do you have any favourite Mossery products or designs from other artists that have caught your attention?

Last year, I got the Phantasien notebook with the watercolour paper, and I absolutely loved it! The paper feels so nice to draw on. I also loved the collaboration with Lala Company. It looked so fun, and I kinda regret not getting it when I had the chance.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Mossery community and those who appreciate your work?

Thank you for having me! It’s kinda wild to see my illustrations on Mossery, and I really appreciate it. Hope they bring a little joy to your day and make your notebook feel a bit more special.

Thank you Oli for sharing your artistic journey and insights with us. If her work resonated with you, explore her creations with us here!