Concept & Moodboard
This illustration began with a simple daydream: waking up in a cozy New York apartment with a small coffee station by the window. I wanted to capture the quiet feeling of early mornings, when the city is just beginning to wake and everything feels calm, warm, and unhurried.
I gathered references inspired by West Village apartments, cozy coffee bars, vintage interiors, gingham patterns, warm morning light, and the comforting rituals of slow mornings.
I gathered references inspired by West Village apartments, cozy coffee bars, vintage interiors, gingham patterns, warm morning light, and the comforting rituals of slow mornings.
Sketches
I experimented with different compositions before settling on a layout that felt balanced and inviting. Every object was placed to create the feeling of a lived-in, personal space.
Line Art
After refining the composition, I cleaned up the sketch and finalized the line work while keeping the hand-drawn imperfections that give the illustration its character. And the character is quietly holding a cup of coffee while looking out the window, taking a pause before the day begins. She became the emotional anchor of the illustration.
Color Exploration
I explored several color palettes before choosing one that balanced cool morning blues with warm interior lighting. And the goal was to create a peaceful early-morning atmosphere while keeping the space vibrant and cozy.
Close up details
I love illustrating tiny details that tell a story like warm string lights, steaming coffee, crossiants, handwritten notes on the newspaper, and everyday objects that make a house feel like home.
And the character is quietly holding a cup of coffee while looking out the window, taking a pause before the day begins. She became the emotional anchor of the illustration.
And the character is quietly holding a cup of coffee while looking out the window, taking a pause before the day begins. She became the emotional anchor of the illustration.
Before the City Wakes
