Hi! My name is Nori and I’m a British illustrator and writer whose work explores folklore, identity, community and womanhood.My work is inspired by my late father, a renowned poet whose lyrical work enriched my life and communities.Since graduating in Creative Writing, I’ve poured my heart into a wide range of projects, from films and documentaries to books and animated shorts. I’ve been fortunate to work with IMAX, BBC, ITV, NHS, and The National Literacy Trust, as well as collaborate with writers and creatives from around the world.My work takes inspiration from Studio Ghibli and Cartoon Saloon (creators of movies such as Song of the Sea and The Breadwinner). I grew up dazzled by Disney and Dreamworks, then captivated by Anime and Manga. This mix of skill and vision has given life to the whimsy and romantic worlds in my work.

Past Exhibits

After attending my first convention in 2022 at London MCM I have been regularly taking part in conventions and markets across the country.Over the years, I’ve figured out what works best for my art, and I recently revamped my entire setup to make it more visually appealing and inspiring!I am lucky enough to say my work and passion are one and the same and one of the best parts of what I do is traveling, meeting new people and spending time at conventions. I have been blessed enough to draw a supportive following and with it the great honour of sharing my work with people. Year after year, it is this growing interest and community that contribute greatly to my consistent output.

Books

Jaan (2022)

In 2022 I debuted my first graphic novel. It started as a dedication to my husband but soon became a full graphic novel of relatable snap shots from my marriage. I debuted it at my first convention and it has been a staple ever since!

Seven Queens of the Sindh: Sohni Mahival (2024)

For years I had the idea to rewrite these cultural folk tales, and in 2024, after a lot of research and focus groups I finally finished the first of seven anthological stories.Sohni Mahival is a graphic novel that reimagines one of the most beloved folk tales, blending rich cultural heritage with dynamic storytelling. The tale follows Sohni, a woman of beauty and passion, and Mahival, a businessman, whose love defies societal boundaries and ultimately leads to tragic consequences.Through vibrant artwork and a contemporary narrative, this graphic novel brings to life the themes of love, sacrifice, and defiance against cultural norms. Sohni Mahival not only celebrates the folklore but also resonates with universal themes, inviting readers into a timeless story of resilience and longing.

Birds at Dawn: The Maharani [TBA]

After being married to a man she doesn’t know, Salis, the daughter of a merchant must do everything in her power to return to the love of her life.Taking from the literary tradition of the folk tales I am rewriting, Birds at Dawn: The Maharani is my own attempt to write a graphic novel inspired by these traditions. Filled with strong women who defy cultural standards, I felt it especially important to try and tell this story now.

Heritage Bears: Merchandise

In 2024 I endeavoured to learn how to create heritage bears, and finally I feel confident enough to debut them online and to markets and conventions!Handcrafted with love, my heritage bears are timeless treasures with a vintage charm that feels like they’ve lived a thousand stories. Each one is unique, complete with its own story tag, making it more than just a bear—it’s a piece of history. These bears, brimming with character and nostalgia, have quickly become the highlight of my craft and a favorite at every event. Perfect for those who value handmade artistry and the magic of storytelling.

Merchandise

Successful Campaigns

Over several months, I worked to design and create a line of embroidered t-shirts that combine craftsmanship and personal storytelling. From refining designs to perfecting techniques, every detail was a labor of love. To bring this vision to life, I launched a successful crowdfunding campaign, which not only provided the resources I needed but also connected me with a community who believed in my work.This project represents creativity, collaboration, and the joy of turning an idea into something tangible, made possible by the support of those who shared in the journey. At the end of the crowd fund and debuting it at the first market I am proud of say I am in need of a restock as it was very successful.

Noteable Projects

People Make Place: Cinderella Murals

For this project, I was invited to reinterpret the classic tale of Cinderella through a series of five illustrated billboards. Each billboard presents a distinct moment or theme from the well-known fairytale, but through my lens of contemporary artistic expression. By combining the grandeur of the billboard medium with the timeless nature of Cinderella, I sought to merge narrative and visual impact, creating a juxtaposition of the fantastical with the everyday.Through vibrant colors, striking compositions, and a mix of modern and traditional illustration techniques, each piece plays with both the familiar and the unexpected, inviting the viewer to reconsider this beloved story in new and engaging ways. This series is not just a retelling but an exploration of the cultural resonance of Cinderella, challenging notions of beauty, identity, and transformation, while also offering a fresh, visual dialogue that speaks to both nostalgia and the present.

Bradford Literature Festival: Children’s Brochure

In 2024, I had the privilege of collaborating with the Bradford Literature Festival to create illustrations for their children’s festival brochure. Tasked with designing four vibrant panels, I aimed to capture the essence of each play featured in the event. Each panel was crafted to resonate with young audiences, blending imagination and storytelling to bring the festival's magical world to life. This project was a celebration of creativity, literacy, and the arts, and it was incredibly rewarding to contribute to an initiative that inspires young minds.

Bradford Stories Bus

I was honored to be commissioned to illustrate a series of murals for a bus celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bradford. This project presented an exciting opportunity to visually narrate the unique history, diversity, and vibrancy of a city renowned for its cultural tapestry. Bradford, with its storied past and dynamic present, serves as a melting pot of traditions, stories, and communities, making it a perfect canvas for artistic expression.Through thoughtful research, community engagement, and a commitment to authenticity, I sought to ensure that every detail of the murals captured the essence of Bradford’s heritage. This project wasn’t just about creating art—it was about telling a story, fostering pride, and celebrating the spirit of a city that continues to inspire and evolve.

Notable Clients

Reviews

"The beauty of Naureen's work is in the process. From discussing an idea to delivering an illustration she pays attention to detail and respects, in my case the cultural specificity of the project. She did the research and created a story board that encapsulated the Ndebele culture and whimsical feel of the film"ZODWA NYONI - PLAYRIGHT, CASTLEVANIA WRITER AND CREATOR OF ANCESTORS

"Working with Nori was an absolute dream. From concept all the way down to the finished product Nori was great at communicating and sharing drafts. She took on edits and suggestions and came up with a fantastic series of images for my book launch. She provided me with high quality files that I could then make postcards with. The postcards are incredibly popular. Would highly recommend working with her!"AFSHAN D'SOUZA-LODHI - SCREENWRITER, PLAYWRITE AND POET