What is Cozy Art? Embracing the Whimsical Movement
Screen capture of an animated artwork created by Jeoffrey Magellan (more information below.)
The definition of ‘Cozy Art’ is an art movement characterized by illustrations of warm, simple, whimsical, and relaxing subject matter.
The Movement of Whimsical Art
Imagine a character wrapped in a blanket, the snow softly falling on the windowpane, and soothing steam curling out from a warm mug. A book falls open near the fireplace, where a fluffy cat lays deep in comfortable slumber. This is the magical subject matter of cozy art, a whimsical style capturing the hearts of many across all generations.
Pinterest, Reddit, and Etsy have been taken by storm with an explosion of cozy art. Connoisseurs from all generations enjoy the inviting scenes depicted in the warm and nostalgic pieces. Specific elements found in these scenes include soft lighting, muted colors, and familiar settings.
From prints to stickers, the illustrations are found everywhere. Whether you are an artist trying out the whimsical art style or want to learn more about it, here is everything you need to know about cozy art.
What is Cozy Art?
Cozy art comes alive most vividly through illustrations. The designs evoke emotions of safety, nostalgia, happiness, and comfort. The lines are simple, and the shapes and forms are soft. Textures communicate supple, fluffy, and pillowy items. The tones and colors are warm.
Subject matter includes well-loved mugs, calm bedroom scenes, magical forests, or characters by a fireplace. Giving the scenery and items around the character human-like features makes the scene feel alive and engaging. The main characters of these scenes often enjoy cooking or watching the stormy weather from the safety of a window. Other artists use animals as a cute main character. The animals sometimes wear sweaters and glasses or help with the house chores.
Other than illustrations, other popular art formats that resonate with cozy art are miniatures and videos. Models bring to life vivid 3D scenes. A cozy art miniature could depict a cottage witch crafting homemade spells or an inviting library filled with well-worn books. Videos work well for story-telling: Lofi animations or short vignettes of recurring characters enjoying the simple things in life.
When did Cozy Art Become Popular?
We start to see references to 'cozy art' as a defined art style emerging in the 2000s. One connection to the term is found in the book "Knitalong" by Larissa Brown. Janet Morton is described as transforming a cottage into a cozy refuge with astonishing tapestries of repurposed sweaters.
The style’s rise was popularized by illustrators in the mid 2010's. Icons of the movement include the famous Lofi Girl, who captures the cozy aesthetic. Lofi Girl repeats the motion of studying against the familiar backdrop of a cityscape. The cat next to her dozed off to the calming sounds of Lofi.
Inspiration of the Movement
Stepping into cozy art feels like diving into a beloved childhood book. The style resembles enchanting elements commonly found in anime and illustration styles like chibi.
Scenes from the beloved Studio Ghibli anime movies are often recreated in cozy art. Characters like Calcifer sleep lazily at the castle's hearth with cherished items strewn about – as if a moment cut from the movie is placed before us.
Who are Cozy Artists?
Jeoffrey Magellan
French illustrator Jeoffrey Magellan is the mastermind behind the iconic illustrations of the Lofi raccoon. The artworks weave together a whimsical world where a young raccoon in a yellow sweater can experience everyday life calmly.
Sophie McNally
Sophie McNally invites us into a world of curious little rats. Her thin pen strokes and minimal color palette embrace calm and whimsical scenes. Little vignettes show the innocent creaturs finishing their chores or finding a bit of mischief.
WanderingArt by Jessie Harrigan
Digital illustrator Jessie Harrigan unveils folk-style scenes using warm colors and woodsy characters. The subjects are found in the forest, wrapped in blankets, or sharing a bit of lore and magic. She invites us to step closer to the characters, capturing their delicate nuances.
HappyCloudsandTrees
New York artist HappyCloudsandTrees crafts comic-styled charming characters. The work shares adorable ghosts as they frolic through the seasons. Her cozy art is truly a portal, as she capitalizes on the storytelling video has to offer.
Lasting Impressions
Cozy art, in a word, is a refuge. It invites us in and washes us over with emotions of nostalgia and calm. The illustrations remind us to stop and watch the flicker of a scented candle, savor the taste of freshly baked bread, or wrap ourselves up in a comfortable blanket while enjoying the sounds of a crackling fire.
