We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Iliana Jazel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Iliana below.

Iliana , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t one single moment that made me realize I wanted to pursue art, but a series of small ones that kept leading me back to it.

When I was little, doodling felt like a natural way to hold onto memories and the small moments of growing up. I was lucky to have access to a whimsical little space where children could create freely, with art supplies, sensory corners, and workshops where it didn’t matter how old you were. You could simply explore whatever you were curious about, and there was so much to learn and love while being there.

Being in that kind of environment made me see art as something alive — something playful and full of feeling. A lot of my work still pulls from that: memories, nature, and little bits of nostalgia that feel soft and bittersweet.

Looking back now, it wasn’t one specific moment that made me choose this path, but more of a slow bloom. It was something that grew with me over time, until it became the most natural part of who I am.

Iliana , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! ✿ I’m Iliana, a South Florida-based independent artist and designer. My work lives in that soft space between illustration and graphic design, blending pastel colors, nature, and nostalgic storytelling into something playful yet thoughtful.

I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember, but I started sharing my work more seriously when I realized how much others connected with the feelings behind it — the small, often overlooked moments of sweetness, growth, and memory. Over time, what started as simple doodles grew into a language of its own, pulling from dreams, girlhood, and nature. Today, I focus on illustration and personal art projects, always with the goal of building something that feels soft, genuine, and a little whimsical — something that leaves people with a feeling of being seen and understood.

What sets my work apart is how much it leans into vulnerability, embracing delicacy, nostalgia, and the softness of the in-between spaces. I often create characters that represent different pieces of personal identity and emotion. Even though my work is deeply personal, it’s open enough for others to find their own story within it.

I’m most proud of the quiet community that has grown around my work. More than anything, I want it to feel like an invitation: a soft space where memories, emotions, and imagination can come to life. Whether I’m creating for a brand or making personal pieces, I always try to delve into the heart of the story, to truly understand the feelings behind it and capture that sense of softness and nostalgia.

It isn’t just about making something beautiful. It’s about creating a sense of connection, a place where emotion, memory, and imagination can bloom freely and sweetly. ❤︎

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think the best way to support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem is by valuing connection, play, and imagination over constant output. Creativity isn’t just about making something impressive — it’s about telling stories, holding memories, and creating spaces where people feel seen and healed.

Artists need time, resources, and the freedom to explore without pressure. A healthy creative community encourages curiosity, softness, and joy, because that’s where the most meaningful work grows.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to craft work that evokes connection and reflection, drawing from memories and emotions. Through illustration and design, I aim to create spaces that feel soft, nostalgic, and full of meaning, where people can experience a sense of being seen and understood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ilianajazel.myportfolio.com/work
• Instagram: @jellllyfiiiiiish
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iliana-maristela-bb10501b6?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Iliana Jazel