SHOWCASE
/ ARTIST / 2025
| ARTIST: | Ullahoops |
| COUNTRY: | Indonesia |
| EMAIL: | hullahoola@gmail.com |
| CONTACT: |
bit.ly/ullahoops-portfolio instagram.com/ullahoops |
| Ulla is a freelance illustrator based in Jakarta, Indonesia, most commonly known under the pen name ullahoops. She worked as an animation asset illustrator for some time, small business owner for the other half of the time, and a full time passionate illustrator for her whole life. Her illustration style is simple, but always packed with bold vibrant colors and a dab of decorative sparkle on the side. Ulla’s works are feminine yet loud, expressive and explosive, which truly reflects her love for illustration that comes to her from a really young age and a reflection of her own personality which would make a lot of sense if you’ve met her in real life. As an illustrator, Ulla is often inspired by her love for herself and her dogs. For her personal stuffs, she explores the theme of multiple versions of herself existing within the same space and time which may sounds like a lot, so she also explores the dumbness of her dogs as well to balance out her serious side with something a lot more silly and fun. She has an abundance love for plants and flowers and always try to put them in her works as much as possible. Known for her unique usage of textures and halftones in her work, Ulla’s work will surely catch your eyes! |
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Maze Exploring
This particular piece visualizes the inner journey of problem-solving and self-discovery, guided by all the versions of myself from the past, the present, and the evolving part of me. Set within a vast, winding labyrinth, each figure represents a different stage of who I’ve been: confused, determined, hopeful, afraid, curious. Though scattered across different paths, each version is working toward the same radiant “glowing star” goal at the center which symbolizes a shared dream.
Merry Go Hound
This is a whimsical yet emotional tribute to the cycle of life and love shared with the dogs who’ve walked beside me and my family. The carousel turns endlessly, carrying three beloved companions and among them, my golden retriever (who has passed on) gently floats upward, as if caught between earth and sky. This piece plays with the idea of regeneration specifically how love and life continue to revolve, even in loss. Though one has moved on, they're all still together spinning in the same circle of love.
Dungeon Explorer
Inspired by Dungeon Meshi, this piece imagines life as a sprawling, enchanted dungeon that is full of strange creatures, hidden paths, and unexpected wonder. The adventurers are all versions of myself, each carrying a different emotion: fear, curiosity, excitement, determination. They wander side-by-side through ruins and forested halls, reflecting how I face life with shifting moods but always moving forward.
Take A Bite 1
This series of pieces explores the vulnerability and sweetness of taking a chance on love. Here, my current self (fulfilled, joyful, and already chewing mid-bite on the sweet treat) offers a cupcake to an older version of me: the one who used to long deeply for this kind of relationship. It’s a moment of gentle generosity, a reminder that what once felt impossible is now being lived, tasted, and shared. The present self still has bites to chew but she’s willing to offer a taste to her past self, saying: “This is real. This is happening. You made it here.”
Take a Bite 2
This is the second version of this series and it continues my exploration of relationships. This time through the lens of two older versions of myself, each navigating love in their own imperfect way. One dives in headfirst, taking far more than she can chew while being messy, indulgent, and a little overwhelmed. The other takes the tiniest bite, cautious and reserved, barely tasting what could be.
Picture Of The Forest
At the center of this illustration is a framed vision of a serene, grown version of myself : long-haired, composed, womanly. She is the version of me I once dreamed of that is seemingly perfect, yet distant, almost hidden deep within the forest of my life. But what brings this picture into view are the hands of the imperfect, real versions of me. Messier, more unsure, yet wonderfully alive. Picture of the Forest is a celebration of the self-in-progress, and the wonders of realizing that even our most “unfinished” versions are carrying us forward.
Letting it Grow
I was inspired by a real tree I once saw thriving tall near my grandma’s apartment. I imagined how many people, or how much quiet care, it would take to protect something so precious in an urban space. That image stayed with me. In this illustration, the tree becomes a metaphor for my own peace and inner growth. It stands at the center, surrounded by different versions of myself from different years, holding hands in a quiet ritual of protection. It takes all of them, working together, to nurture and guard this peaceful space inside me.
Valentine Cake
Playing with the valentine theme, this piece features a cut-up cake with a cupid on top. Designed originally as a valentine greeting card, the cupid is silent yet poses alluringly with their eyes twinkling as if saying “This piece of cake is sweet, like me”. The bold colors and playful composition invite the receiver of this card to indulge in both charm and whimsy, like a flirtatious treat wrapped in frosting.