Artist Spotlight
Hana Rafee | @hanarafee.art
Artist Spotlight: Hana Rafee
Hana Rafee is a multi-media artist and graphic designer based in the Chicagoland area. A second-generation Asian American and eldest daughter, Hana brings a “get it done” energy to everything they make — while honoring the communities that raised them. Drawn to storytelling and the magic in small moments, Hana illustrates the connections that shape who we are. Instagram: @hanarafee.art
A Search, A Spark, A Zine: Finding Hana Rafee
The best projects don’t announce themselves. Sometimes they begin with something as ordinary as a Google search—carried by a quiet hope for what might be.
When I decided to illustrate my mom’s essays, I knew I didn’t want to do it alone. I wanted to bring it to life with others—something shaped by more than just me.
That instinct came from my mom’s writing, too. She wasn’t trying to explain her Korean identity—she was just telling her stories: honest, specific, human. Reading them, I began to see her simply as a person, and myself that way too. That’s what made me want to collaborate with a wide range of Asian American artists—not to make identity the focus, but because our cultural backgrounds naturally shape how we see and tell stories.
I started searching—scrolling through portfolios of emerging Asian American artists in Chicago—and stumbled across the Chicago Asian Ink Collective.
That’s where I found Hana.
Her work felt honest, expressive, quietly bold. I didn’t overthink it—I just sent an email. No expectations—just a message, and a bit of hope.
October 15, 2025
Building Poor Answer Together
We finally met on Zoom, and the conversation came easily. We talked about art, storytelling, and process—our shared curiosity, a willingness to experiment, and what Poor Answer could become.
This wasn’t just about finding an illustrator, but alignment.
Hana became the first Urikkiri zine illustrator, shaping how the zine looks and feels—bringing depth and texture to what began as an idea.
She didn’t just illustrate the essays—she transformed how they’re experienced.
Have a question or interested in collaborating? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at: partnerships@urikkiri.com