Charlie Yellow - Charlie's Playground by Charlie Yellow (Page 5)

Charlie Yellow

Charlie Yellow is a Japanese-born illustrator based in Chicago who brings yurukawa (cute but quirky) to life. She celebrates everyday charm and the beauty of diversity—or even hidden thorns—through colorful illustrations, zines, and riso prints.

Thanks Y'all!

A farewell card project featuring a cowboy cactus and a whole lot of Texas spirit—created for my friend and business coach Sanae as she wrapped up her time in the Lone Star State.

Osusowake Club: All 45 Sets Are on Their Way!

Osusowake Club: All 45 Sets Are on Their Way!

I just mailed out all 45 sets of my Osusowake Club holiday postcards! Hoping they arrive safely and spark some joy at the start of the season.

Warming Hearts Through the Osusowake Club

work in progress

Warming Hearts Through the Osusowake Club

While prepping Osusowake Club mailings, reconnecting with old friends warmed my heart more than I expected.

Osusowake Club: Packing Up the First Batch!

work in progress

Osusowake Club: Packing Up the First Batch!

Getting ready to ship the first batch of Osusowake Club mail—red envelopes and all! The holiday joy is almost on its way.

A Studio Visit with Perfectly Acceptable Press

A Studio Visit with Perfectly Acceptable Press

We visited the studio of Perfectly Acceptable Press for a Chicago Printers Guild meetup and got a real look behind the scenes—from risograph magic to community insights.

A New Holiday Ornament Joins the Collection

A New Holiday Ornament Joins the Collection

Stopped by a local Chicago shop to pick up a stained glass holiday ornament by artist Ben Houtkamp. After a lot of pacing and indecision, one special piece came home with me!

The Osusowake Club: Let the Sharing Begin!

work in progress

The Osusowake Club: Let the Sharing Begin!

The very first Osusowake Club sets are starting to go out—some by mail, others hand-delivered. It’s finally time to share the joy!

Holiday's Here!（ホリデーお待たせ！）

Holiday's Here!（ホリデーお待たせ！）

Mr. Cat shows up with arms full of gifts in this playful Osusowake Club holiday postcard. Let the festivities begin!

Snowman & Dance（雪だるまとダンス）

Snowman & Dance（雪だるまとダンス）

Second in the Osusowake Club holiday postcard series! A girl and her snowman share a joyful dance—capturing that magical winter feeling.

Ms. Christmas Tree’s Makeover Time!（ミス・クリスマスツリーのおめかしタイム！）

Ms. Christmas Tree’s Makeover Time!（ミス・クリスマスツリーのおめかしタイム！）

The first official piece for the Osusowake Club is here! A riso-printed postcard starring Ms. Christmas Tree, all dressed up for the holidays.

Back at Spudnik: Cutting, Chatting, and Riso Community Joy

work in progress

Back at Spudnik: Cutting, Chatting, and Riso Community Joy

Trimmed prints at Spudnik and met new riso friends! Feeling inspired as Osusowake Club gets closer to launch. ✂️

Ready, Set… Cut! Trimming Time for Osusowake Club

work in progress

Ready, Set… Cut! Trimming Time for Osusowake Club

I might’ve been totally wiped from all the printing prep—but I still sharpened my pencil and got back to it today! ✂️ Time to get everything ready for tomorrow’s big trimming session!

Risograph Trials & Inky Triumphs

work in progress

Risograph Trials & Inky Triumphs

Printed at Spudnik today! Some tiny discoveries, a few head-scratches, and lots of inky joy. The Osusowake Club is coming to life!

Monthly Charlie’s Playground: October 2025

Monthly Charlie’s Playground: October 2025

Between art fair prep, color separation chaos, and an emotional Peachtober exit, October was wild—but full of good lessons.

My Brain Is Fried, But Osusowake Club Is Hatching Nicely!

work in progress

My Brain Is Fried, But Osusowake Club Is Hatching Nicely!

I've been glued to Procreate doing color separations all day, and yes—my brain is totally fried. But!! Osusowake Club is finally hatching into the world.

チャーリーイエローの「季節のおすそ分けクラブ」始めます

チャーリーイエローの「季節のおすそ分けクラブ」始めます

季節の“ほっこり”をイラストでおすそ分け！チャーリーイエローが始めた、勝手に届くポストカードプロジェクトです。

Pamphlet Time: What Even Is Osusowake Club?

work in progress

Pamphlet Time: What Even Is Osusowake Club?

Today I worked on the bilingual pamphlet for Osusowake Club! Because if I just mail people art with no explanation… they’re gonna be confused.

Osusowake Club: Production Week Begins!

work in progress

Osusowake Club: Production Week Begins!

Kicking off a big production week for Osusowake Club! There's still a lot to do, but I’m taking deep breaths and going one step at a time.

Our First Art Fair: So Fun I Want to Do It Again!

Our First Art Fair: So Fun I Want to Do It Again!

Yesterday was Chicago Publishers Fair—and it was SO much fun! Like… “can we do another one already?” level of fun.

Street Art Forage: October Edition!

Street Art Forage: October Edition!

It’s that time again—my monthly street art forage is happening today! And wow, October was full of weird and wonderful finds.

Getting Ready to Table (For the First Time Ever!)

work in progress

Getting Ready to Table (For the First Time Ever!)

Tomorrow is Chicago Publishers Fair! First time putting price tags on our work and showing it to real people. Let’s gooo!

Osusowake Club #3: Cat & Wrapping Paper

work in progress

Osusowake Club #3: Cat & Wrapping Paper

Started the third Osusowake Club illustration—this time featuring a cat I’ve been drawing for 20 years! No more just my face!

Getting Solid (No More Fuzzy Ink!)

work in progress

Getting Solid (No More Fuzzy Ink!)

Finishing up the message card for my friend—and testing solid pens this time. Risograph fuzz + fuzzy pen = not cute. Lesson learned!

Studying Risograph Like a Nerd

work in progress

Studying Risograph Like a Nerd

After last week’s print flop, I grabbed all the risograph prints we own and took notes like a total nerd. Time to learn from the masters!

Running Out of Time (and Energy, Too)

work in progress

Running Out of Time (and Energy, Too)

With only 11 days left in October, I had to pause Peachtober—ouch. But I need to focus on the work that really matters right now.