From mugs to books, Bengaluru’s favourite doodler proves that happiness can be hand drawn.
Meet Alicia Souza
If you’ve ever smiled at a quirky doodle on a mug, T-shirt, or calendar, chances are it was designed by Alicia Souza. Based in Bengaluru, Alicia is an illustrator whose playful, relatable artwork has found its way into countless homes (and Instagram feeds).
Now, she has taken her art one step further with her debut book.
From Website to Wedding Surprise to Published Book
In 2017, Alicia launched a personal website called Dearest George. What began as a surprise wedding announcement for her husband, George, quickly became a heartfelt archive of their life together expressed entirely through Alicia’s witty, charming illustrations.
Fast forward to January 2020, and those drawings evolved into a book: Dearest George.
The collection brings together the beloved illustrations from her website along with fresh, neverbeforeseen cartoons. It’s a love letter not just to George, but to the small, beautiful moments of everyday life.
Art With a Sunny Side
Alicia’s philosophy is simple: focus on the good stuff.
In an interview with The News Minute, she explained:
- She considers herself a naturally positive person.
- Most of her work celebrates happiness, love, and small joys.
- Even when life throws sad or stressful moments, she redraws them with a lighter, more hopeful twist.
Her belief? The world already has enough negativity why not balance it with laughter and cheer?
Why Alicia’s Work Feels So Personal
What makes Alicia Souza’s art so beloved is its honesty.
- Relatable storytelling: From the chaos of pet parenting to the quirks of married life, her cartoons capture what we all experience but rarely put into words.
- Everyday magic: She shows us that joy doesn’t just come from milestones, but from the tiny, daily things cup of coffee, a messy home, a silly fight.
- Community love: With a loyal social media following, Alicia’s art sparks conversations and smiles among people who see themselves in her work.
A Journey Through Her Illustrations
From heartfelt notes about George to whimsical takes on friendships, Alicia’s illustrations are more than art they’re snapshots of joy.
Her book Dearest George is a reminder that love stories don’t always need grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s enough to find beauty in burnt toast, shared laughter, or the wag of a dog’s tail.
