Mai Hatano is a Japanese illustrator living and working in Sweden. Once a factory worker, Hatano always dreamed about becoming an artist. While watching drawing videos, she decided she would start drawing as well. She bought an iPad, and that is how Lilla Ateljen was born.
As she said in an interview for Ballpit, art is her booster of energy and happiness,” she said. “I am inspired by the innocence of animals and nature. I want to express their pureness in my art.”
Although leaving her country, family and friends was one of the hardest moves Hatano had to make, she still managed to find happiness in her new home.
“Living in Sweden gave me new perspectives and inspirations,” she added. “There are a lot of ways to spice up your daily life here. My artworks are inspired by those relaxing, calm, and peaceful moments in life that we need.”
Hatano likes drawing on paper, but her current favorite medium is digital. All because “you can use many layers and easily edit small details.”
She currently has more than 3,500 followers on Instagram, and all of her images are done in neutral colors. To see her beautiful artwork, check out the gallery below.
