Aia Ueno is a surface designer and illustrator based in Japan. She graduated from the University of Tsukuba with a degree in Visual Communication Design and began her career working on a large-scale project for a company specializing in museum production. Her creative journey then took her to Florence, Italy, where she studied jewelry making and contributed to the launch of a silver brand at a local jewelry company. After seven years abroad, she returned to Japan in 2004 with her husband—whom she met in Italy—and together they are raising their only son and a lovely cat. Aia finds inspiration in animals, plants, and stylish, unique people, creating illustrations that are both peaceful and humorous. She also has a passion for pattern design, bringing color and playfulness into everyday life.