Gabriela Niko, a Polish artist, transitioned from a design career to embrace art that celebrates imperfection. Her passion for sketchbooks and the beauty of flaws guided her toward becoming an illustrator. Niko’s work is rooted in traditional mediums, predominantly using alcohol and acrylic markers, graphite, and colored pencils. She focuses on an intuitive and joyful creative process that reflects her unique perspective on beauty. In her art, Niko captures emotions and narratives through various pieces. For instance, her colored pencil fan art of Ariel from "The Little Mermaid" merges the animated and live-action interpretations, portraying her as timeless and poised. Another piece, "Soft Armor," explores the quiet resilience of women during tattooing, blending softness with strength. "First Star Tonight" draws inspiration from stars and calm moods, while "Frog Hair Day" combines fantasy with a loose sketchbook style, emphasizing subtle emotions that invite interpretation. Niko’s approach reflects a break from conventional design constraints, allowing her to explore deeper emotional connections in her artwork. Her pieces invite viewers to appreciate the beauty in imperfection and the complex feelings that art can evoke.