Meet Wonders of Eqa: A Malaysian Illustrator Serving Kawaii Vibes with a Side of Nasi Lemak
Wonders of Eqa (pronounced ey-ka) is a name that fits her just right—her illustration is full of wonder, joy, and the kind of cuteness that instantly makes you smile. I first met Eqa briefly at KLIF 2025, and even in that short encounter, her warmth and charm stood out. So when I got the chance to chat with her one-on-one, I jumped at it.
A full-time mom, self-taught illustrator, and creative force, Eqa has built a name for herself blending kawaii (Japanese for “cute”) art with Malaysian culture—especially food! Her adorable style has led to collaborations with brands like Dolly Dim Sum, FamilyMart, and NikiandHaru. Here’s a peek into her creative journey, inspirations, and her future aspirations.
So, how did it all begin?
“I actually studied graphic design,” Eqa shared. “But I realized that graphic design and illustration are very different. Designers create based on a client’s brief, but artists have the freedom to express whatever they feel—stories, emotions, culture.”
During the lockdown, Eqa was a full-time housewife looking for ways to ease her husband’s financial load. Inspired by other artists she followed on social media, she decided to give drawing a try. She practiced day and night—“sometimes even while breastfeeding!”—and started sharing her work on social media. To her surprise, it was very well received!
What helped her take things to the next level? “My amazing sister gifted me an iPad,” she smiled. “That was a game-changer. It became my most precious tool.”
From there, commission requests started trickling in, and eventually, brands began reaching out for collaborations. Just like that, Wonders of Eqa was born.
The people behind the art
When asked about who inspires her, Eqa lights up. “@myasquerade is one of my biggest inspirations. I love her art style and how her personality shows through her work. I also admire local artists like @SembangSembang, @bungadanbintang, @nassuha_, @baihaaqismail and @yattlukis” – artists whose creativity continues to fuel her own.
But her biggest supporters? Her family. “My loving mother has always encouraged me to chase my dreams. My big brother showed his support by buying all my merchandise. My eldest brother? He was my very first and continuous client. My younger sister was actually the first artist in the family – she paved the way. My husband has been my rock—he believes in me and always shares ideas to improve my art. And my kids… their confidence and imagination when they draw really inspire me.”
What does your creative process look like?
“I keep a running list of ideas in my notes app—there’s always something I want to draw!” she said. Sometimes she combines multiple ideas into one piece.
As a mom, time is limited, so she works in pockets of free time during the day. “I usually start coloring at night, when the house is quiet. It’s very therapeutic.”
“Creativity is…”
“…something that keeps your brain turning,” Eqa said with a grin. “It shows in your personality—fun, engaging, full of energy.”
Kawaii art meets Malaysian food culture—how?
One of the coolest things about Eqa’s illustrations is how she blends her love for Kawaii art with Malaysian identity—especially through food. Just take a look at her Instagram profile picture.
“The whole character is inspired by nasi lemak. Her hair buns are actually wrapped nasi lemak packets, her fringe is rice, left cheek is an egg, the other is cucumber, and her shirt is red for sambal!”
It’s a creative (and super cute) way to tell Malaysian stories through a universal visual style.
Food seems to be a recurring theme. Is that your niche?
“I do love food!” she laughed. “But I’m definitely open to collaborating with other industries. I want to grow as an artist, and trying new things helps me improve.”
Your tagline is “telling stories through art.” What kind of stories do you want to tell?
“I want my art to spark conversations—especially around food. Food is such a big part of Malaysian culture, and I love using it as a way to connect with people and share our heritage.”
Any big goals for the future?
“I’m happy with my art style right now, but I know there’s still a lot to learn. One of my dreams is to create my own merchandise someday.”
You can keep up with Eqa and her wonderfully whimsical world over on Instagram: @wonders.of.eqa. Whether it’s a rice bun girl or sambal-inspired outfits, one thing’s for sure—her art is serving up joy, culture, and lots of heart.
About the writer: An educator who is also an art enthusiast. Tasha is a life-long learner, stationery addict, journal enthusiast and a bookworm. She is often found in stationery shops (hoarding unnecessary stack of papers, stickers or art supplies) and cozy cafes planning, reading or sketching. During her free time she’s with her lovely family binging on anime shows. | Instagram