Colour and the city I come from

Illustrating makes me happy. I have illustrated and painted since I was 12, and I still enjoy it.

Through my illustrations, I preserve vivid moments from my background: the vibrant colours, the diverse characters and the unique atmosphere of Addis, the city where I was born. My work is a way of finding joy and play in the middle of life's chaos, a reminder that even when life is busy, there is still room for colour and fun.

Through my illustrations, I preserve vivid moments from my background: the vibrant colours, the diverse characters and the unique atmosphere of Addis, the city where I was born. My work is a way of finding joy and play in the middle of life’s chaos, a reminder that even when life is busy, there is still room for colour and fun.

I work in gouache, Procreate and Illustrator, building characters from flat shapes, warm colours and grainy textures.

The missing drink, illustration by Beth Burka

Knitting evening, illustration by Beth Burka

About the illustrator

Beth Burka

In my early twenties, I left the warmth of Addis Ababa for the quiet solitude of Finland. This transition was marked by stark contrasts: noise versus silence, community versus isolation, sunlight versus snowfall. Alongside my brand and product design work, I create digital illustrations full of colour, characters and everyday moments. In June 2025 I held a solo art show, Living Single, at Enchanté café in Helsinki. Through my illustrations, I preserve the vivid moments from Addis—the vibrant colours, the diverse characters, and the unique corners of a city that always stays with you. My work is a way of slowing down, finding moments of joy and play in the middle of life’s chaos. It's a reminder that even in the mess, there’s still room for colour, connection, and fun.

In my early twenties, I left the warmth of Addis Ababa for the quiet solitude of Finland. This transition was marked by stark contrasts: noise versus silence, community versus isolation, sunlight versus snowfall. Alongside my brand and product design work, I create digital illustrations full of colour, characters and everyday moments. In June 2025 I held a solo art show, Living Single, at Enchanté café in Helsinki. Through my illustrations, I preserve the vivid moments from Addis—the vibrant colours, the diverse characters, and the unique corners of a city that always stays with you. My work is a way of slowing down, finding moments of joy and play in the middle of life’s chaos. It’s a reminder that even in the mess, there’s still room for colour, connection, and fun.

Tools: gouache paint, Adobe Illustrator & Procreate

Prints, commissions and collaborations

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