Between Dream and Detail: Laura Lhuilier’s World of Whimsy

Laura Lhuilier is a French illustrator based in Lyon. With her unmistakably vibrant style and luminous illustrations, she has built a community of 130,000 followers on Instagram alone and has worked on major projects with brands like Netflix France and Adobe. For Holiyay, she has created four puzzles, two of which are part of the new collection launching this summer.

Can you tell us a bit about your background? What led you to illustration?
I’ve always loved creating since I was a child, even though I didn’t know it could turn into a real job. I studied graphic design, which gave me a solid foundation I still rely on every day. But I quickly realized that what I really enjoyed was the freedom to tell visual stories. So I started posting my drawings, and little by little, commissions started coming in. I was able to develop my own style… until it became my full-time job.

You work on all kinds of projects. Are there any routines or creative habits that carry over from one project to another?
I don’t have a fixed routine—I rely a lot on intuition. But I do enjoy working in a lively atmosphere, with music, a video playing in the background, or just everyday life around me. I often start with a visual idea or a color palette, then make quick sketches to get ideas out of my head. I work on an iPad, but I try to keep a textured, almost tactile feel in my illustrations to maintain a sense of handmade warmth.

How would you describe your illustration style or the themes you like to explore?
My style is often described as naïve and colorful, somewhere between dream and reality. I love creating immersive images where every detail invites exploration. I’m deeply inspired by flora, fauna, and astronomy. What I’m really after is evoking positive emotions, tenderness—something comforting. If my images can bring someone a moment of peace, that makes me truly happy.

That’s exactly what we see in the two puzzles you already created with Holiyay (Dimanche and Ballet aquatique), and in the two new ones coming out this summer (Rêverie du Japon and Jour de crêpes). How did those images come to life?
The Holiyay team spotted illustrations I had originally created just for myself. That’s what’s so great—they were personal images, made purely for fun! Since I love imagining highly detailed scenes full of life and little elements, they naturally lent themselves to the puzzle format. Each image has its own world, its own vibe: an underwater dream, a trip to Japan, a cozy maximalist interior...

In addition to your work with Holiyay, you’ve also created puzzles for Ravensburger and Trevell. Are there any specific challenges or things to keep in mind when illustrating for a puzzle?
Absolutely—it’s a whole different kind of creative exercise. You have to think about how colors, contrasts, and shapes will help people during the assembly. It has to look good from a distance but also be rich and interesting up close. You want to avoid empty areas, and play with textures and details… I love working on that kind of composition!

You’re also involved in many other creative projects. Which ones are your favorites, or the ones you’re most proud of?
I’ve really enjoyed working on food-related projects, like the collections for Weiss chocolate. I also love collaborations where I get full creative freedom to explore my world. And I’m very proud of meaningful, purpose-driven projects—like the one I did with Kusmi Tea for Pink October. These are projects that truly matter to me and stay close to my heart.

Japanese Daydream by Laura Lhuilier

Pancake Day by Laura Lhuilier

Sunday Day by Laura Lhuilier

Water Ballet by Laura Lhuilier