SHOWCASE

/ ARTIST / 2026

ARTIST: Soefara
COUNTRY: Malaysia
CONTACT: soefara.com
facebook.com/Soefara Jafney Jaafar
instagram.com/soefara
Hello!
I’m Soefara Jafney, an illustrator, art director, and designer based in Malaysia with over two decades of experience creating stories, worlds, and characters across publishing, branding, and collectibles.
My work sits at the intersection of beauty, culture, and storytelling. To date, I have illustrated 17 published books, including The Power of Michelle Yeoh (written by David Seow), which received Gold at the 2024 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards.
Beyond publishing, I have collaborated with brands such as Marvel, Disney, Capcom, Barbie, Starbucks, Chagee, and Monopoly, creating everything from illustrated campaigns and collectible merchandise to luxury scarf collections and licensed artwork. As an art director, I have also contributed to the development of premium collectibles and statues inspired by some of the world's most iconic characters.
Alongside commercial work, I am deeply passionate about creating personal bodies of work that celebrate women in all their complexity. My ongoing series explores queens, warriors, mythological figures, and modern heroines. Women whose stories have shaped history, culture, and imagination. Through intricate details, vibrant colour, and a touch of whimsy, I seek to create artwork that feels both empowering and timeless.
Whether illustrating a children's book, designing for global brands, or building my own worlds, I am always drawn to stories that leave a lasting impression.

Rainbow Queens

An homage to the four remarkable queens that ruled Pattani between 1584 - 1651. Each named after a color, leaving a mark in history.
Raja Hijau (Green Queen) reigned for 32 years, turning Pattani into a thriving cultural and trade hub.
Raja Biru (Blue Queen) continued her sister's legacy with peace.
Raja Ungu (Purple Queen), the warrior queen, famously led an army of 3,000 againts Siam, forcing them to renounce their claim to Pattani.
Raja Kuning (Yellow Queen) was last of their line, ending an era of female rule in Pattani.

Green Queen

The Green Queen of Pattani ruled the kingdom for 32 years (1584 - 1616). During her reign, trade with the outside world increased. Pattani reached its greatest prosperity of maritime trading with Europe, China, Japan and neighbouring Southeast Asian Kingdoms.

Yellow Queen

The last of Pattani's Rainbow Queens, Raja Kuning chose compassion over conquest. She refused to burden her people or draw from the royal treasury, sustaining herself through gardens of flowers and vegetables while restoring peace, diplomacy, and trade to her kingdom. Beneath her graceful reign lay a life marked by political sacrifice and an enduringly tragic love story.

Che Siti Wan Kembang

The legendary Warrior Queen of Kelantan, Cik Siti Wan Kembang ruled for over five decades, leading with courage, wisdom, and independence. She is portrayed here with a keris, a symbol of sovereignty and resilience, alongside her beloved kijang (muntjac or deer) a creature celebrated in Kelantanese folklore and immortalised on the state's emblem to this day. Her reign continues to embody the enduring spirit of one of Malaysia's most iconic women.

Lady Geese

A quiet ode to Southeast Asian village life, Lady Geese captures a serene moment of a woman gathering fragrant frangipanis, accompanied by her flock amid lush banana groves. Inspired by the graceful compositions of Georges Barbier, the illustration reimagines the peaceful countryside through a palette of soft pastels and flowing garments adorned with traditional motifs, echoing the elegance of 1920s fashion illustrations while celebrating the beauty of regional heritage.

Sighthounds

Created for a Tokyoiter open call, Sighthounds is a deeply personal tribute to my lifelong admiration for this elegant family of dogs. Inspired by my first encounter with a Borzoi in 2016, the illustration also honours my beloved Salukis, Bahiyaa and Zabbie, whose joyful instinct was always to chase birds. Set beneath drifting sakura blossoms, they are imagined running freely. An enduring portrait of grace, memory, and the quiet bond between humans and their companions.

Sapphire Fangs

A portrait of untamed elegance, Sapphire Fangs explores the many facets of femininity through three bejewelled black cats. They embody a love for beauty, sophistication, and glittering treasures, while never surrendering the instinct to roam, rebel, or misbehave. Like their feline counterparts, women can embrace refinement without losing the fierce spirit that longs to remain wild.

Crimson Coffin

Crimson Coffin is my exploration of the dark, mysterious, and delightfully camp. A woman awakens within a crimson coffin, bound by an oversized chain and lock, yet entirely unafraid. Surrounded by bats, serpents, and other creatures of the night, she inhabits a world where gothic beauty meets playful theatrics. It celebrates the freedom to embrace every facet of oneself, even those that linger in the shadows.

Zodiac Girls

An exploration of astrology through women and botanicals, this twelve-piece series transforms each zodiac sign into a distinct female character, paired with a flower that echoes her essence. Together, they celebrate the individuality, beauty, and symbolism woven into every constellation. Pictured here are nine of the twelve illustrations.

Sticker Collection

A glimpse into my growing collection of illustrated stickers, featuring the many women who inhabit my artistic world. From fierce were-tigresses and floating, hot-headed spirits to heartbreakers, femme fatales, and unapologetic girl crushes. Each character explores a different facet of femininity through humour, folklore, glamour, and a touch of mischief, transforming everyday objects into small, collectible stories.