
Featured Artist: Gaia Marfurt
Gaia Marfurt creates charming designs from her home in Belluno, a little town at the foot of Dolomites mountains. Surrounded by beauty and her family, Gaia’s work glows with happiness and the spirit of her heart.
"Sketch every day, drawing is like breathing for an artist. Be happy while drawing."
What is your name?
My name is Gaia Marfurt, you can call me Gaia!
Where is home?
I live in Belluno, a little town at the foot of Dolomites mountains, but I was born and studied in Rome (Italy).
What is your creative weapon of choice?
Fantasy is my weapon, and love for doodling! I use to create my illustrations in digital, using Gimp and Inkscape, both open source software.
How would you describe your work in 7 words or less
Whimsical creatures, fantasy spirits, nature, girls
"It’s important to share your skills and advice on the internet, it’s useful to create a community amongst us designers. We are not in competition. We can help each other and grow together."
Please share the story behind your favorite artwork on Redbubble.
“Cephalopods“ is my bestselling design on Redbubble. It looks great on many items. I made it last year for a contest, on Spoonflower. I’m happy because I was able to create a bright effect in the dark ocean background.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a Gnomes Researcher! I used to read Poorvliet books, I really loved his illustrations… I still love them! :D
What role do you feel artists have in society?
Illustration can be a great way to share your ideas, it can be educational, provocative… it is a powerful instrument.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an artist?
Sketch every day, drawing is like breathing for an artist. Be happy while drawing.
What artwork are you excited to work on next?
I have many projects in my hands at the moment. I’m trying to create a coloring book and an educational book for children to learn English.
Is there anything you’d like to share with us that I didn’t ask (Pets? Favorite books? Someone who inspires you? Superstitions? Quirks?)
I love animals and have two cats. I’m a mom of four kids stealing much me time, but they are inspiring for my work as a children’s illustrator.
I love English literature, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and historical fiction.
What is your dream project?
My dreaming project is a graphic novel about Northanger Abbey from Jane Austen. I love all her novels. I hope to find a publisher interested in it!
What’s been the hardest lesson you’ve learned while creating a successful art career? What advice would you love to have told yourself five or ten years ago?
It’s important to share your skills and advice on the internet, it’s useful to create a community amongst us designers. We are not in competition. We can help each other and grow together.
If you weren’t making art, what do you think you would be doing now?
It’s a difficult question. Sometimes I try to figure out what could I do if I were blind… and I couldn’t draw… well, I think I would be a different artist… maybe a writer and storyteller, maybe a musician… but I need to create something! It’s in my bones! :D