The Corona crisis highlights once again how vulnerable the incomes of artists are. Right at a time when we see people appreciating art in the form of music, Netflix, books and cooking during quarantaine times.

We should nourish and protect art, since it can be so consoling during confusing times like these, and in general for a joyful life.That is why we’re over the moon to collaborate with five up and coming illustrators. These talents worked on a project titled ‘Hope in 2020’ and came up with amazing designs – that we’ve turned in a special Limited Edition Leafbook!

Another extra: by buying these books you directly support the illustrators in continuing on their creative journeys, creating works of art to console, inspire and delight us. Because together, we’ll make it through this.

One of the illustrators is Nina. Are you ready for her design?

“I just have to look through my window to see hope these days: birds flying around, flowers are blooming and one by one the trees are turning pink. Spring is in full swing and I think that brings us more hope than ever.

In these troubling times I’m amazed by all the hope that is seeping through. However vulnerable we may be, we also appear to be super resilient, creative and generous. I used a whole bunch of colours and warm, rich tones to express that feeling.

Our homes mean so much to us these days. Partly because we need to stay in, but also because our homes can bring a sense of comfort and peace, which is very welcome now. So that’s what I drew: colourful houses that serve as a safe space.

Implicitly, my work is almost always about hope. About glimpses of  beauty, goodness and light, even when life feels dark.

For this cover I wanted to make something playful, not too polished, not too much of ‘how it should be’. I think it fits these months, now everything feels a bit improvised and we’re forced to think out of our nice and neat boxes.”

Nina loves to play with colours and shapes, to capture glimpses of everyday life. It’s the beauty and richness of the small – seemingly ordinary – things that inspire her most. Blossoming trees. A cup of coffee. Birds. A yellow sweater. Drawing (and writing) is her way of sharing that with the world, in the hope to offer some light to whoever it might need.

In 2015 Nina started her illustration business ninamaakt, including a webshop with postcards and prints. She also creates custom illustrations, wedding invitations and more.

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Feel free to visit her website and shop at www.ninamaakt.nl, or follow her on Instagram (@ninamaakt).