Playful illustrated worlds brought to life through screen prints, characters, and color-soaked joy.
Every LUMUKU character feels like a tiny burst of happiness, wide eyed little companions drawn with wobbly lines, bright palettes, and just enough personality to make you smile back at them. There’s a simplicity to the work that feels instantly approachable, but behind each design is a careful balance of expression, composition, and play.
Founder and illustrator Ryan first began creating under the name LUMUKU after spending five summers in Istanbul working at an English language immersion program for Turkish children. The environment was imaginative, joyful, and deeply collaborative, built around the idea that learning works best when it’s rooted in fun and creativity. Over time, the staff became like family, signing off every email with “Love You, Miss You, Kiss You” which eventually shortened to LUMUKU. When Ryan returned to Providence full time, they carried that spirit with them, channeling it into illustrated language learning card games that soon expanded into prints, murals, clothing, and public art installations.
Every design begins by hand, usually with pen or pencil on paper. Ryan embraces the imperfect charm of hand drawn lines, leaning into their looseness and warmth before pairing them with the bold, flat colors of silkscreen printing. Their work is unmistakable for its vibrant palette, but it’s often the faces that people remember most, tiny eyes and subtle smiles placed with just enough precision to feel expressive without losing their simplicity.
Ideas tend to arrive unexpectedly. One favorite design, the Sun, Earth, and Baby Moon, first appeared during a New Year’s Day walk, quickly sketched onto a café napkin beside a cup of hot chocolate. Final pieces are completed in their Providence home studio, where they work with a full silkscreen setup to bring each colorful little world to life.
What You'll Find at Bloom
Silkscreen prints, clothing, and illustrated goods, bold colors and playful hand drawn characters, and Rhode Island-made artwork full of warmth and whimsy
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With LUMUKU
Why Bloom?
“I have always loved Wickenden and the spirit of small, independent shops that have made a home there. It’s really aligned with what I make, as I am intentional about having all my offerings made here in Rhode Island. ” - Ryan
Fun Fact
Ryan always laughs at their own drawings!