In Conversation with Zsófia Gyorfi: joyful storytelling through texture and colour
Budapest-based illustrator Zsófia Györfi (aka Petit Crickets) brings personality and playfulness to life through her work. From early pencil sketches to textured digital compositions, her illustrations are filled with curious characters, warm tones and tiny moments of delight. For her debut collection with Evermade, Zsófia has created five distinctive designs, from dinosaurs and puppies to cats, stacking shapes and party celebrations, each carrying her signature mix of humour, colour and charm.
How and why did you become an artist?
Drawing has been one of my favourite pastimes since I was a child. I always loved immersing myself in the process, inventing characters and creating worlds.
After high school, I started attending an art school, where I reconnected with this beloved activity. Then I was accepted to the Hungarian University of Fine Arts, where I graduated as a graphic artist. Now I’m working as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator.
What emotions do you hope your art evokes in people?
One of the first images I ever published online received a comment that said, “This horse makes me very happy.” I think that perfectly captures what I hope to achieve with my illustrations. I want my work to bring a little joy and fun to people—even if just for a moment.
What materials or tools are essential to your work?
I usually start brainstorming on paper with a pencil, then I create the illustrations digitally. It’s great that digital tools allow me to easily refine and adjust my ideas.
I love creating textures, and I prefer digital brushes that closely resemble traditional techniques. I really love the paper-cutting technique, as well as acrylic and watercolour. Unfortunately, I don't have as much time for manual techniques as I would like, but hopefully, I can focus more on that in the future.
What do you see when you look out of your studio window?
I live in Budapest with my partner and our cat. The neighbourhood is quite vibrant—there are cafés, galleries, parks, and the Danube is just a short walk away.
I love being surrounded by colour, patterns, pictures, and memories. Our home reflects this kind of warm and playful atmosphere, which naturally influences my work as well.
Can you describe a typical day in your studio?
Usually, our cat starts the morning—she makes it very clear when it’s breakfast time, so she’s our natural alarm clock. My partner and I both work from home and we often collaborate on projects. After breakfast, we usually plan the day over coffee. Mornings usually start with design-related work, which is easier to structure. I often juggle multiple graphic design and illustration projects.
While working, I love listening to music or podcasts. Some of my most creative phases happen when I get the chance to draw just for fun—like when I find an interesting challenge or prompt to explore. I try to make time for that whenever I can.
What do you listen to while working?
I love illustrating to music, and my playlist depends a lot on my mood. My taste is pretty eclectic, but I’ve put together a few favourites to listen to while working.
Can you walk us through your Evermade design?
I always begin with pencil sketches in a notebook. That’s how the first character ideas for the “Dino Party” pattern started. Once the initial sketches are done, I refine and colour them using a Wacom tablet or iPad. “Dino Party” was the final piece in the collection, so the colour palette had already been established.
I chose colours that would capture a cheerful, festive mood — something that fits the party theme. I like working with a wide range of colours and enjoy mixing muted colours with bright, contrasting tones.
What’s been a proud moment in your career so far?
I only began illustration about a year and a half ago. Before that, I worked on illustrative branding projects, which I really enjoyed.
Lately, the highlights have definitely been my experiences with children’s books. A few months ago, I won a competition for book illustration, and I’m currently developing a children’s book with Csimóta Publishing.
Any artists you've discovered recently and loved?
While visiting France, I came across @lapaulinemorel’s picture book, which immediately caught my eye. The colour choices, shapes, and overall composition of the illustrations are just beautiful.
A few months ago, I participated in a group exhibition at @csirimojo Publishing and Bookstore, where I discovered the work of @hajtozsuzsi alongside many other great illustrators. I really love the atmosphere of Zsuzsi’s images and how she creates delicate surfaces and uses textures.
