Inspired by childhood storybooks, tono, @rt0no, invites you into a quiet, dreamlike world where whimsical animals meet Victorian charm. Growing up, she is surrounded by her mother’s keepsakes from London, which deeply influence her artistic style—nestled somewhere between British and European aesthetics.

Over the years, we notice a subtle yet significant evolution in her art, and we’re intrigued to dive deeper into her creative world. Read on to discover more.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background as an artist/creator?

Hello, I’m tono, an illustrator from Japan. Since childhood, I have loved animals and imaginary worlds. As an only child, my greatest joy was drawing, reading picture books and fairy tales, and letting my imagination roam free.

I was born and raised in Japan, but I have always been strongly drawn to British and European culture. This may be because my parents once lived in places like London, and I grew up surrounded by my mother’s clothing and accessories from that time, which naturally made these cultures feel familiar to me.

I love nature, antiques, and fantastical worlds, and many of my works reflect these themes. My favourite things are quiet places, cats, art and books, and cocoa. It’s my dream to one day live with a cat. Although I’ve never had a pet cat, a neighborhood cat used to visit my previous home every day, and that remains a cherished memory for me.

What is your background as an artist/creator? How did you first get into drawing and painting?

I have loved drawing since I was a child and always had a vague dream of becoming an artist. At the time, I primarily worked with traditional media, but as I grew older, I transitioned to digital art. I gradually began receiving commissions as I posted my work on platforms like Tumblr and Twitter.

So far, I have published two illustration books and illustrated a picture book. I have also collaborated with a Lolita fashion brand and created artwork for card games.

How would you describe your artistic style and influences?

I believe my artistic style has gradually evolved over time. For example, about ten years ago, I was drawn to a dark, fantastical world, heavily influenced by Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth. At that time, I often painted eerie scenes featuring girls alongside black goats or witches. I was also particularly conscious of the contrast between light and shadow, envisioning a world where beautiful light pierced through the darkness, much like the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer.

However, over time, I began to feel that relying solely on dark tones was not enough, and I wanted to expand my use of colour. This led me to create works featuring a crocodile and a girl, as well as themes centered around flowers and a family of black cats, placing greater emphasis on colour expression. I was especially influenced by the brushstrokes of Monet and Van Gogh, which encouraged me to explore new ways of using colour. More recently, I have also been captivated by the unique, dreamlike colours and atmosphere found in Tim Walker’s photography.

At my core, my desire to depict fantastical worlds reminiscent of the books and picture books I read as a child has never changed. Even though my methods of expression have evolved over time, I believe the essence of my work has always been rooted in storytelling.

You have developed two designs for this collaboration, could you share the themes or messages you aimed to convey through each cover? We would like to understand your creative vision behind them.

Picnic Bunnies is themed around a warm spring picnic in the forest. It portrays a mother rabbit and her children playing freely, expressing a moment of peace and happiness. I aimed for a soft yet lively atmosphere, as if birds were chirping gently in the quiet surroundings.

Bedtime Stories captures a dreamy moment before falling asleep at night. Under the warm glow of a lamp, two cats sit quietly, engrossed in reading a book. I wanted to create a scene that feels both mysterious and comforting, as if inviting the viewer into a world of stories and dreams.

Are there any hidden details or symbolism in your design that you'd like to share with us?

For Picnic Bunnies, I paid close attention to the details. The flowers blooming on the ground were inspired by real small blossoms that bloom in spring, emphasising the beauty of nature. Additionally, I wanted to convey a sense of family bond and warmth by infusing kindness into the mother rabbit’s expression and gestures.

For Bedtime Stories, I illustrated a moon and tiny stars on the book cover that the two cats are reading. This symbolises the expansiveness of nighttime imagination and serves as a gateway to dreams. On the back, a small kitten is quietly gazing at the two cats reading the book, creating an open-ended scene that allows the viewer to imagine what he might do next.

What's the process like when you develop this design? Do you face any challenges or obstacles while creating the design? If so, how did you overcome them?

Production Process

My creative process begins with rough sketches in a notebook. I then move on to Procreate on my iPad, where I develop the draft and refine the piece almost to completion. After that, I use a PC to adjust colours and add textures, switching between Procreate and my PC as needed to finalise the design.

For the design direction, I focused on two key elements: "incorporating cats" and "creating a cover that excites people when they hold it." Initially, I tried designing "cats and a garden," but the composition felt too monotonous, so I put it on hold. Instead, I decided to illustrate a picnic scene. In the end, I made the picnic design bright and cheerful with rabbits, while the cat design features a dreamy nighttime bedroom atmosphere, creating a complementary pair.

Challenges and Solutions

Adjusting the overall composition of the cover: Since I don’t have much experience creating designs that span both the front and back covers, I found that even when the sketch looked fine, the coloured version often felt too plain. After several revisions, I adjusted the composition to be more dynamic while ensuring space for the logo.

Making the black cat visible: Because the black cat was set against a nighttime background, it blended in too much. I experimented multiple times and ultimately adjusted the background's brightness and colour contrast to ensure the black cat stood out naturally.

What materials or techniques did you use to bring your design to life?

I create my artwork digitally, mainly using Procreate on an iPad. For the final touches, I use Photoshop on a PC. Procreate offers a wide variety of brushes, so I switch between different ones depending on the effect I want to achieve. For example, I use soft, blurred brushes to add gentle folds to clothing, while rougher brushes help depict plants and trees. Additionally, I layer textures over large areas to increase visual depth and detail.

For the Bedtime Stories, since the theme was nighttime, I paid special attention to the lighting. I aimed to create a warm, serene atmosphere illuminated by a lamp—not too bright, but not too dim either—so that the scene would feel calm and inviting.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists or creators who want to make their mark in the industry?

Rather than advice, this is something I constantly remind myself... Experiment at your own pace. 

While it's good to take inspiration from various sources, I often find that the method I choose for myself feels the most natural. Even if things don’t go well, I try to stay positive and think, "This just means I still have room to grow."

Draw a lot, but don’t forget to enjoy it. The more I draw, the more I improve, and the more artworks I create. It’s not just about practicing—sharing my work with others helps me discover new things, so I try to put my work out there. To keep my motivation high, I also make time to freely draw whatever I want. 

Keep making small improvements. I take notes on new ideas and techniques I try, gradually updating my approach to drawing. It’s important to continue without pushing myself too hard while also taking care of my health. 

I hope to grow without pressure, enjoying the process along the way.

Are there any other artists or creators who inspire you in your work?

Here are some works that have influenced me. 
  
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
A mysterious world, slightly mad characters, and an impossible storyline—its charm is truly one of a kind. 
  
I love John Tenniel’s surreal illustrations, and I’m also drawn to the many different interpretations of Alice’s world by various creators. Additionally, discovering the photographs Lewis Carroll took of young girls sparked my interest in the atmosphere and fashion of the Victorian era. 
  
The "Peter Rabbit" Series 
Beatrix Potter is one of the authors who has influenced me the most. Last year, I visited the Lake District to see Potter’s home. The small, cozy house and charming garden paths felt as if I had stepped right into one of her picture books. 
  
Michael Ende’s Momo and The Neverending Story 
Ende’s stories go beyond simple fantasy, offering thought-provoking themes and subtle messages. They never feel forced, and every time I reread them, I discover something new. I was also surprised to learn that the illustrations in Momo were drawn by Ende himself. 
  
The "Moomin" Series 
I especially love Comet in Moominland. The way beauty and fear coexist in its atmosphere strongly captivated me. Tove Jansson’s quirky yet charming characters and illustrations are also a big part of its appeal. 
  
Winnie-the-Pooh 
While Disney’s animated Pooh is adorable, I particularly love the original book’s soft and simple illustrations by E. H. Shepard. 
  
Marie Hall Ets’ Picture Books 
Books like Play with Me, In the Forest, and Just Me feature simple yet beautifully rich depictions of animals, which I find incredibly appealing. 
  
Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth 
The costumes, landscapes, world-building, and creature designs—it’s a perfect blend of eeriness and beauty, and it left a deep impression on me. The visuals are painful and terrifying, so I can’t rewatch it often, but the striking imagery still lingers in my mind. 
  
There are many more, but these are some that have particularly stayed with me.

Do you have any favourite Mossery products or designs from other artists that have caught your attention?

Every artist’s work shines with individuality, making it difficult to choose one over another. What particularly caught my eye was the Iraville Watercolour Art Kit. The landscapes of a countryside town and a town with a visible tower look like scenes from a story, making them beautifully captivating. The idea of it being a watercolour Art Kit set is also a perfect match, which makes it all the more exciting.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the Mossery community and those who appreciate your work?

Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my work. It truly means a lot to me that you enjoy it. Knowing that my art can bring even a little comfort or spark your imagination is incredibly encouraging. I hope to continue creating illustrations that feel like stories, and I would be delighted if you continue to enjoy them.

Thank you tono for sharing the secret ingredients behind your art with us. Flip through the pages of tono’s world with her latest collaboration with Mossery here!