This project was such a joy to work on, bringing one of Indonesia’s most beloved folktales, Jaka Tarub and Nawangwulan, to life for a children's storybook. I wanted to create illustrations that not only told the story but also captured the magic and emotion of this timeless tale in a way that would captivate young readers. The first illustration shows the moment Jaka Tarub stumbles upon the seven celestial angels bathing in a quiet, hidden river deep in the forest. I imagined this scene as soft and dreamlike, using natural tones and gentle lighting to create a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Jaka Tarub peeking from behind the trees adds just the right mix of curiosity and wonder, while the flowing scarves and delicate movements of the angels bring a sense of grace and enchantment to the scene.
In the second illustration, the mood shifts as Nawangwulan discovers Jaka Tarub’s betrayal and decides to return to the heavens. I really wanted to capture the bittersweet emotion of this moment—Nawangwulan ascending into the sky, her scarf trailing behind her, while Jaka Tarub and their child watch helplessly from below. The lush green landscape serves as a quiet backdrop to the family’s heartbreak, and I paid special attention to their expressions to show both sadness and regret without losing the story’s fairy-tale charm.
The process itself was incredibly rewarding. I started with sketches to map out the compositions, making sure each scene felt alive and told its part of the story clearly. From there, I layered soft colors and textures to keep everything warm and magical, perfect for a children’s audience. I wanted the illustrations to feel inviting but also powerful enough to carry the emotions of the story.
This project is my small way of celebrating Indonesian folklore—sharing its beauty and lessons with a younger generation. My hope is that these illustrations help children fall in love with the magic of storytelling and connect with the culture and traditions woven into this classic tale.