PLANT CHARACTER CONCEPTS FOR A NURSERY by Leila Kutub in Berlin

Originally developed for a nursery brand, this project explored the idea of giving plants personality through illustration. I created a series of character concepts based on popular houseplants—like Alocasia, Monstera, and Calathea—drawing on their shapes, postures, and textures to imagine them as quirky, approachable figures. Each plant was treated as a unique character, designed to feel both playful and familiar. In addition to the illustrations, I designed a set of icons to communicate plant care information in a clear and friendly way. These included visual cues for light exposure, interior or exterior placement, rarity, level of responsibility required, etc. I also illustrated a space showcasing different types of lighting and exposure, helping to visually communicate the ideal environments for each plant to thrive. The system was meant to complement the tone of the characters, keeping the visual language simple, helpful, and engaging. Although the project was ultimately not finalized, it became a meaningful opportunity to experiment with character design, visual storytelling, and functional illustration—all rooted in a genuine love for plants and how we relate to them.