We hit Brissy to catch up with artist Naz Power, hear about her style, and how she drawing in nap-length windows changed her career.

It’s funny how the best creative breakthroughs rarely happen when everything’s going to plan. For Brisbane-based artist and toy designer Naz Power, it was the chaos of becoming a new mum, racing against nap times and scribbling whatever came to mind, that helped her discover the distinctive style she’s now known for.

Born in Kuwait to Filipino parents before eventually settling in Australia, Naz has gone from children’s illustration to creating monochrome figurines, mischievous characters and a growing collection of work that’s landed collaborations with Vans. We caught up with her to chat about creating under pressure, raising her toughest critic (her four-year-old son), and why authenticity is really just the absence of compromise. Check it out below, presented by the Vans Authentic:

What does being “authentic” mean to you?

The absence of compromise. Sticking to your values. I think it’s possible without being a dickhead to people who disagree with you.

Tell us about (one of) your previous collabs with Vans. What was it like applying your style to the shoes?

It was pretty cool being able to use my style with a brand that I’ve been a massive fan of for a long time. It felt surreal that they trusted me to be a part of their campaign.

How would you describe your art style?

It’s a mix of soft and sharp edges. Or cute and badass. I think my style has elements of rebellion. I grew up around conservative people, so I played it safe for a very long time. Fear of being judged.

But I know I have good intentions. I’m breaking free by creating characters with sharp claws and pointy teeth, something they would consider… devilish? But they’re still cute and not too scary to give my kid nightmares! Rebellion without aggression.

Do you remember the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes? I think his character design was ingrained in me since I was a kid and I subconsciously incorporated some of his features, such as his sharp teeth and wild characteristics.

But my current style (I say current because I’m sure it’ll change again down the line) came about maybe a year after becoming a new mum. I lacked the time and energy to create. My son’s nap times were super short.

Drawing was my outlet, so I just sketched whatever I felt like drawing as fast as I could without caring about defining the lines. Motherhood is hard (being a good mum is harder) but it gave me purpose and helped me prioritise what matters and eliminate anything unnecessary. That’s why my illustrations are roughly drawn in ink and my toys are monochrome. Fewer options mean faster decision-making and I work more effectively.

Story time! One afternoon, when my son was a young toddler, I opened my sketchbook to draw while he was napping but I didn’t know what to draw. I knew he could wake up at any time until I looked at my son’s Vans shoebox and wondered what it would look like with my artwork. So I sketched an idea and really loved it. That’s how I started incorporating Vans into my designs.

Does your kid ever make suggestions or give feedback on your work?

I’m fortunate to have a kid who loves everything I create. It also reflects in his drawings. He started copying my characters and toy designs and now every character he draws has sharp teeth haha. I think it’s cute. It could all change when he grows older and I’ll still be his biggest fan.

Do you give the characters you draw a personality? If so, what are they like?

I let people decide their personalities. I think it’s a fun way to get to know my characters through someone else’s POV.

Tell us about your first figurine. What was it like to see your artwork fully formed?

I couldn’t have done it without the help of Reilly (@iamnobody.wtf), a Brisbane-based artist. I was clueless and Reilly was so generous with his time in helping me understand the process while producing my figurine.

After years of being an illustrator, it felt surreal to finally have something tangible that was once living in my sketchbook. I named her Rin.

When I was pregnant, I thought I was having a girl and my husband and I were going to name her Rin. Then a boy came out haha. That was a hectic surprise. The name never got used, but it still meant something to me so my first figurine became Rin instead.

Because I didn’t always have the funds to commission an artist, I used my tax return to buy a 3D resin printer and at the beginning of 2026 forced myself to learn how to 3D sculpt and print my own figurines. Oh boy, it’s a journey! But I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m not quite sure! Maybe a girly tomboy? You’ll always find me in a tight top, baggy pants and sneakers. But I’ll be wearing a pearl necklace and earrings.

Where do you source inspiration?

In general, I don’t always look for inspiration to create something. I just draw like I’m scribbling on a piece of paper. I’ve been drawing since I was a child, so it just comes naturally. As long as I have a pen, I’ll draw on anything. Maybe the reason I struggle to write or speak is because I spent so much time drawing in silence haha.

But when I’m out and about, I’ll be inspired by strangers if they’re wearing a cool outfit, interesting shoes, or have their hair styled in an unusual way. I’ll be inspired by an alien stuffed toy. Or my son when he says something funny or cute. Or street fashion!

How has your heritage influenced your work?

I’m a third-culture kid. I’m Filipino, born and raised in Kuwait. I was so sheltered and over-protected that I didn’t know much about the culture of my first home. And when I moved to the Philippines for uni thinking I knew enough, I was in culture shock.

But as I grew older, I came to understand more and gained so much respect for people from different cultures. Because there’s still so much I need to learn about my own heritage, I create things that I think are universal for everyone to enjoy.

But it’s my mum, a Filipino woman, who influenced me to become an artist. I watched her create everything with her own hands. I remember her painting flowers, creating huge banners and posters by sewing them or writing them in calligraphy.

We didn’t have much growing up, so she sewed clothes for me and my siblings, made accessories, wedding dresses, curtains, furniture covers…everything!..just to make ends meet while working a full-time job. She even repurposed things that you’d think belonged in the bin. She wasn’t perfect but we survived through her creativity.

The need for innovation comes from lacking.

How do you feel about how creating content has become such a key part of an artist’s “success”?

Overwhelming. It’s extra work. But I think it’s worth it because that’s how I caught your attention!