New Artist: Marika Fanin

26 August 2026

Give a big Hive welcome to Marika Fanin.

Marika's work is deeply influenced by the folklore, landscapes and magical creatures of her homeland. We're so excited to have her as part of the Hive and can't wait to see where her creativity takes her!

Please can you tell us where you are from and where do you currently live and work? Has this affected your work?

I was born and raised in a small village in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, right along the Slovenian border. This unique cultural crossroads profoundly shaped my worldview as did the woods right behind my childhood home. My artistic and educational journey first took me to Florence, where I attended the Nemo Academy and the Academy of Fine Arts, and later to Turin, where I worked at the Animoka animation studio. Today, I live in Trieste, where folklore and atmosphere continue to nurture and inspire my artistic work.

What inspired you to be an illustrator?

Drawing has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Since childhood, it was my way of exploring imaginary universes, but during my teenage years, it became a shield and a safe haven from the bullying I faced in middle school. What started as an escape soon turned into a lifelong vocation. Choosing an art-focused high school was the first step on a path that continues today, where art is still my way of experiencing the world.

How long have you been working as an illustrator?

My professional career in illustration kicked off in 2017. While still at university, I started out taking on small commissions until a major turning point came when I won a competition hosted by a small association, which led to the publication of my very first book.

How would you describe your illustration style?

I like to think of my as playful and vibrant. I love drawing animals and humans doing quirky things without taking themselves too seriously. In contrast, for my illustrations aimed at a more mature audience, light and color play a fundamental role in shaping the mood and look of the image.

Who/ What have been your key influences as an illustrator?

For my children's work, my main inspirations are definitely Tony Wolf and the adventures of Richard Scarry (as a kid, I used to imagine the animals living in the woods behind my house just like that!) However, I fuse that nostalgia with a 1950s modernist aesthetic, like the illustrations by Mary Blair. For my Young Adult projects, my influences lean into Pre-Raphaelite painters, especially Waterhouse and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, combined with the bold, stylized look of Eyvind Earle and Teddy Newton.

What type of projects, clients, or illustration markets would you like to work in?

I would love to work with publishers that truly value diversity and believe that everyone deserves to find their place in the world, creative partners who prioritize kindness and mutual respect.

What do you like doing when you are not illustrating?

When I'm not drawing, I love taking long walks in nature, playing the guitar, and going to hardcore punk shows.

What would be your dream project?

I've always dreamed of writing a story about the legends of my homeland and sharing the magical creatures that live there.