Mogu Takahashi’s illustrations are a joy to behold. Born and based in Tokyo,
Takahashi’s sketches have a child-like feel to them, full of innocence and wonder. Her work is printed on anything and everything, from textiles and ceramics to wallpapers and mobile phone covers.
“For me drawing and painting is kind of like writing a letter to someone,”
Takahashi told It’s Nice That. “I sometimes hide a little secret message in a painting that only my dear reader can understand.”
The self-taught artist now showcases her work in an exhibition in Melbourne. Named appropriately, A Little Hat On You, the exhibition features doodles of cute creatures wearing hats.
“It’s simply because I like to draw little hats on creatures,” Takahashi explained. “For me it’s something like putting a broach on your jacket – a little gesture that makes your day better and brings joy. I have kept this idea in mind when making this new work as well. I often like daydreaming in my head… If I gave a rabbit a hat, what kind of hat would that be? If this turtle could talk, what would he want to tell me?”
Takahashi has been drawing since she was little, but initially studied architecture. “College life was not so interesting for me and I started skipping classes and spending more time drawing,” she admitted.
In 2013 Mogu began posting her doodles on Instagram where she found she could connect with other artists, brands and publishers around the world. And the world quickly took notice.
Check out some of her work below.
