Margarita Louka
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Margarita Louka

Illustrator | Graphic DesignerDubai, United Arab Emirates
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Margarita Louka
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Margarita Louka

Illustrator | Graphic DesignerDubai, United Arab Emirates
About me
Hello! I am an illustrator from Cyprus currently based in Dubai, UAE. My visual illustration work and my research explores themes such as migration, (de)colonization, physical or emotional journeys, what it means to ‘belong’ to a place and the unreliability of memory. I graduated from my BA (Hons) Illustration degree in 2019 and further developed my artistic practice in my MA Illustration and Book Arts course, which I graduated from in 2021. My creative process centres around collecting and assembling; I start a project by collecting and making fragments which represent the theme I am working with. I then collage them together digitally, embracing an element of ambiguity, while constantly exploring the intersection between abstract and figurative illustration. ​For ​project enquiries, please get in touch at: margarita.illustration@gmail.com
Projects
  • Analogies | Book Publishing
    Analogies | Book PublishingAnalogies is inspired by the book ‘Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions’ by Edwin A. Abbott. The book is a humorous, satirical account of a society which operates in two dimensions, ignorant to other societies in other dimensions. All the characters in the book are shapes. When the protagonist, a square, becomes aware of societies in other dimensions, this newfound knowledge initially leaves him in shock. In the booklet, words from the book are placed alongside the illustrations and depict the
  • Tales of Faith | Children's Book
    Tales of Faith | Children's BookMy favourite illustrations from a children's book I worked on, now available on Amazon.
  • Strong Haulers | Book Covers
    Strong Haulers | Book CoversVery happy to share the cover I made for this vulnerable and honest narrative about illness, relapse and going through Long Covid. Author's website: www.ibrahimrashid.com
  • The Human Perspective Magazine | Editorial Illustrations
    The Human Perspective Magazine | Editorial IllustrationsIllustrations by Margarita Louka, layout by The Human Perspective.
  • Diary of a Young Naturalist | Book Covers
    Diary of a Young Naturalist | Book CoversI was blown away by the vibrancy of Dara McAnulty’s writing and I wanted my cover to portray this vitality, as well as McAnulty's youthful voice.
  • Voyages | Book Arts
    Voyages | Book ArtsRe-imagined a chapter of Eva Hoffman’s autobiography, ‘Lost in Translation: Life in a new Language’ into concertina form. I used the motif of the map & modes of transportation to show a journey of migrating to a new continent.
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Projects credited in
  • Arktic Lime Magazine. March '22. Folklore.
    Arktic Lime Magazine. March '22. Folklore.I wrote and Illustrated for the latest issue of @arkticlime magazine. On the theme of folklore. So naturally I wrote about the East Anglian ghost dog, 'Black Shuck.' Edited by Margarita Louka with great work from Indigo Branscombe, Zsuzsa Goodyer, Xinyuan Yang and others! Read it here: https://issuu.com/arkticlime/docs/march_2022_issue_folklore
Work history
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    Freelance IllustratorSelf Employed
    Dubai, United Arab EmiratesFreelance
    Produced custom artwork according to client’s needs — such as designing a cover for a self-publishing author about his experiences with Long COVID, creating illustrations for a children’s book and creating editorial illustrations for the Human Perspective magazine. Participated in local markets and ensured successful sales and a positive customer experience. Organised a group exhibition, ‘Beyond Paper’, in Espacio Gallery, London, with a group of nine artists from my Masters in October 2021. Built a strong relationship with the gallery owner by communicating in a professional manner and handling the contract. Built a strong network of artists by updating exhibitors on the course of the exhibition and taking minutes in meetings. Co-organised a successful private view, where artworks were sold.
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    Junior Graphic DesignerTBC Publishing Ltd
     - Royston, United KingdomFull Time
    Successfully produce high-quality print magazines for real estate agents. Involved in different stages of the magazine’s creation: layout of the magazine, liaising with the estate agent directly, making amendments as necessary, proofreading, checking for print and approving for print. Working successfully and amiably in a small office, and ensuring a positive environment in the studio by being ready to offer assistance to fellow designers and clients.
Skills
  • Abobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Indesign
Education
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    MA Illustration and Book ArtsAnglia Ruskin University
     - Cambridge, United Kingdom
    Grade: Distinction
    Arts University Bournemouth logo
    Arts University Bournemouth logo
    BA(Hons) IllustrationArts University Bournemouth
     - Bournemouth, United Kingdom
    Grade: 2:1
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Awards
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    Shortlisted, Commercial Publishing, New TalentWorld Illustration Awards
    https://theaoi.com/wia/margarita-louka-oblivion-2/
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    Anglia Ruskin University: Sustainability Art PrizeAnglia Ruskin University
    Shortlisted for showcase