You might spot her at a weekend market, sitting behind a small stall filled with colourful art prints, stickers and handmade magnets, with a line of people waiting for a live portrait. Or perhaps you’ve come across one of her signature caricatures on Instagram, featuring everyone from couples and friend groups to families.
She is Quirkimi, a Sydney-based illustrator whose playful drawings have recently garnered thousands of likes on Instagram. But behind the viral reels is an artist who simply wants to help people find joy in the little things.
Quirkimi’s Creative Journey
The name “Quirkimi”—a combination of “quirky” and “me/kimi”— dates back to 2019, when she was creating a username for a new Instagram account.
“Now, I wouldn’t say I was a weird kid…(okay maybe a little bit) but in high school I was known for making random observations, whether it was an animal-shaped cloud in the sky or my punny sense of humour, that earned me the descriptor “a little quirky” from many of my teachers and peers.”
In the summer of 2019, when Kimi was starting off her Instagram account, “quirkimi” felt natural.
“I created my character Kōto and started making comics during a time where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life after school and wanted to express those feelings somehow!”
“Life gets really stressful and serious when you haven’t figured it all out,” she said. “I like finding little pieces in my daily life that remind me to enjoy the journey too.”
“It’s easy to get lost in our big plans for the future and all the many things we have to do to get there. I like finding little pieces in my daily life that remind me to enjoy the journey too.”
In October 2022, she set up a stall at a UTS market to sell her first prints and stickers. Over the next four years, Quirkimi gradually evolved into a recognisable brand built on humour, warmth and finding joy in everyday moments.
Playful, Charming And “Silly”
Her playful philosophy is reflected in every piece she creates. Characterised by loose line work, soft colours and rounded features, Kimi’s portraits are minimalist yet full of personality. Sitting somewhere between illustration and caricature, they exaggerate a person’s charm rather than their flaws. As she likes to describe them, they’re simply “silly.”
Alongside live portraits, Quirkimi creates stickers, prints and stationery inspired by the joy of everyday life. Some of her most-loved collections include:
- Enjoy the Journey, which celebrates everyday moments through tiny characters wandering across open landscapes.
- Kōto Comics, starring the character that launched her creative journey and captures the humour, uncertainty and small victories of everyday life.
- Greeting cards, art prints and illustrated stationery, featuring her signature whimsical characters and gentle reminders to slow down, notice the little things and find joy in everyday moments.
Contact
Website: https://quirkimi.square.site/
Photos: Quirkimi
Words by: Nina Nguyen
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