Chita Erayanie is an Indonesian illustrator based in London

Chita Erayanie is an Indonesian illustrator based in London, holding a BA in Design and an MA in Applied Linguistics. Her sketchbook is her constant companion, capturing everything from London’s lively streets to the mystical, eerie tales that filled her childhood in Southeast Asia.

Chita's work blends the magic of spooky folk legends with the vibrant energy of city life and the serene beauty of the English countryside. She works with both digital and traditional media, with gouache, watercolour, soft pastels, and paper cutting being some of her favourite techniques.

Here’s where we found out more about Chita..

What would you say is your best piece of work/collaboration to date, and why?

My best work to date includes non-fiction pop-up books about history, such as The Colosseum, Tutankhamun, and Troy. It was my first time collaborating with a paper engineer, which inspired me to try paper cutting myself. The project also required extensive research, which I love—learning new things adds so much depth to the creative process. I feel I gained much more than just a commission. (Quiz me about embalming a mummy!)

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I try to experience something new each week, whether it’s attending a cultural event or exploring a new market, always with my camera in hand. The images I capture often become both inspiration and reference for my work.

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

With my background as a teacher, I’m a strong advocate for lifelong learning. I’m always the one saying, “It’s never too late to learn something new!” I believe that age, career, or the current demands of a skill in the job market shouldn’t stop anyone from pursuing what they’re passionate about.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

While it may not be unique to me, I have a strong love for creating environments. Playing with perspective—and occasionally distorting it—is my favourite part of designing a spread. My technical drawing training for my BA has been invaluable, but after moving into illustration, I relearned how to draw landscapes more freely. One professor encouraged me to “draw landscapes with the mind of a child,” which often leads to fresh, unconventional results. This approach is definitely more challenging than strict technical drawing!

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)

Aside from enjoying my style and work, clients appreciate my professionalism. I’m dedicated to meeting deadlines, responding quickly to emails, and being easy to work with. In short, I aim to be a friendly, reliable collaborator.

How would you describe your style?

My style is colourful and detail-oriented. Sometimes I have to remind myself to hold back before things get too elaborate!

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it - something that connects to something meaningful to you

Illustrating a book on Indonesian myths, folk tales, and ghost stories would be a dream project. Mythical creatures, legends, and superstitions are such a big part of my cultural identity, and I’d love to bring these to life through my illustrations. Ideally, the book would reach an international audience to showcase the uniqueness of our folklore.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

After visiting a vintage carnival exhibition featuring puppet theatres and mechanical toys, I’m inspired to create a traditional 3D paper illustration. This project involves not only drawing and painting but also paper cutting and thinking three-dimensionally. It’s been fun and brings back memories of making maquettes during my BA studies.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real-life person, who would that be?

Indonesia is now a republic, but before independence in 1945, we were made up of many kingdoms, some dating back to the 7th century. I’d love to illustrate the lives of kings, queens, and leaders from this era, exploring their influence on modern Indonesia

If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]

At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.