"Astika" Book Illustration

Astika is a children’s illustrated book developed as part of a college assignment. The book presents a short illustrated story inspired by The Little Mermaid, reinterpreted through the lens of Indonesian culture. To localize the narrative, the story is set in Bali, allowing traditional cultural elements to shape the visual direction and atmosphere of the book.

The illustration style and character design were developed through light research into Balinese cultural elements, particularly traditional clothing, ornaments, and visual motifs. These references were adapted into the characters’ outfits and environments to ensure cultural relevance while maintaining a whimsical and child-friendly tone. Through this project, I explored how a well-known fairytale can be transformed into a localized visual narrative that celebrates Indonesian culture while remaining accessible to young readers.