Spring awakens something in us all. It’s a soft return to color, texture, and a sense of wonder that is more acutely felt. For Bulgaria-based artist Borislava (lovingly nicknamed “Buba”) Karadjova , the latter transcends seasons—and anchors her work.“ I’ve always been endlessly curious,” she shared. “I read a lot and have a deep love for history and art history. I’m fascinated by the meaning behind paintings, sculptures, and the creative process itself.”
Like her sister, Mihaela —whom we had the pleasure of working with last year—Karadjova’s exposure to the arts was early and often. Along with drawing, classical music, concerts, and cinema, she cites a small book that has left an enduring impact on her creative practice.“ Mistletoe and the Baobab Tree, illustrated by Loïc Jouannigot, changed everything for me,” she explained. “There are two scenes in particular—one of a rabbit’s cozy bedroom and another of their living room—that completely captivated me. I would stare at those pages for hours, imagining myself living in that world. The level of detail in the illustrations drew me in so completely that, even now, I want my own work to evoke that same feeling. I want people to look at my illustrations and feel like they could step right into them.”
That quality is present in Karadjova’s puzzle, A Good Year —a scenic, poolside vignette and the latest addition to our Spring collection. Read on to learn more about Karadjova’s process of bringing this artwork to life, the ordinary habits she shares with family, and how art has made her more mindful of the present moment.
What is an ordinary habit that best captures who you are at this point in your life?
I love having quiet moments to myself—sitting in my favorite café, sipping coffee, and reading a book. I know I should probably mention something other than art, but the truth is, I’m completely in love with it. I can’t resist flipping through books on art and illustration, discovering new works, and diving into the lives of artists I admire. There’s always more to see, more to learn, and the deeper I go, the more curious I become. It’s an endless fascination, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How would you describe your illustration style, and what is your favorite part of the creative process?
My style is highly detail-oriented, and I’m always searching for meaning and symbolism in everything I add to my work. I love exploring the big idea behind a piece, not just the visuals but the deeper layers of storytelling. My background in poster and visual communication has also influenced my approach—those principles have stayed with me and naturally find their way into my illustrations.
Artistically, I draw inspiration from many painters, including Egon Schiele, Loïc Jouannigot, Bosch, Canaletto, and Hergé. Their unique styles and storytelling have shaped how I see and create art. My favorite part of the creative process is brainstorming ideas and rough sketching. Over time, I’ve learned to appreciate every stage of the process. One technique that helps me stay fresh is working on outlines for one piece while coloring another. Switching between them gives me a chance to step back, catch mistakes, rethink colors and details, and keep my perspective sharp. It keeps the process dynamic and exciting!
You also work alongside your sister, Mihaela (whom we spoke with last year!), under the name Sisters in Draw. As we mentioned then, we love spotlighting creative partnerships (especially as a family-founded brand). Tell us more about your relationship and habits: What habits do you love to do together? What are some creative habits she’s inspired you to build?
Mihaela is not only my closest person but also my best friend. While we share many similarities, we’re also very different. She’s methodical in her work and planning, while I tend to jump into multiple projects at once, which can sometimes slow me down. We work together every day, not always on the same projects, but my favorite part is how honest we are with each other, giving feedback and pushing each other to improve as artists. Her workspace is minimal, unlike mine, which is surrounded by books I don’t always need. She encourages me to think step by step, helping me stay grounded when I get lost in ideas. We also share simple habits, like buying vinyls for our birthdays, and whenever we need a break, we head to a nearby bookstore to flip through pages—it’s surprisingly calming.
“I’d say that the most rewarding aspect of partnering with Ordinary Habit has been witnessing how Echo and Teresa are making the world a little more colorful and beautiful by bringing together the art of so many talented artists from around the world. It’s amazing to sit down with one of their puzzles—it feels like a meditative experience or a moment shared with family and friends. I’m so grateful to be a small part of something that brings people together through art.”
You list your inspirations as nature, literature, classical art, music, and cocktail culture, and you say, “Every soul, object, and form are invited. Every conversation that comes out from under [my] fingers makes sense for the present.” What’s inspiring you to stay in the present these days? How can art make us more mindful of the present moment?
I often find myself drifting into memories—they shape who I am and help me grow. But staying present is a challenge we all face. Lately, I’ve been working on being more mindful, and one thing that really helps me is EFT tapping. It’s a simple yet powerful way to ground myself when my mind starts wandering.
Drawing also plays a huge role in keeping me present. There’s something meditative about it, especially when I push myself just outside my comfort zone. When I’m fully engaged in creating, there’s no space to dwell on the past or worry about the future—it’s just me and the work in front of me. That state of deep focus is one of the most rewarding parts of the creative process.
I think art has a unique way of anchoring us in the present moment. Whether we’re making it or simply experiencing it, it demands our attention in a way that everyday life often doesn’t. A powerful painting, a beautifully composed song, or even a perfectly balanced cocktail—each can pull us into the now , making us more aware of the details, the emotions, and the fleeting beauty of the moment.
What themes, scenes, or moments did you want to explore when conceiving A Good Year for Ordinary Habit?
This puzzle was inspired by one of my first illustrations, originally based on the movie A Good Year. After seven years of illustrating, I wanted to revisit the idea and make it more complex and inviting. It felt like a challenge and a personal milestone, showing how my style and storytelling have evolved. Looking at the final illustration, I feel a deep sense of calm—it’s like sitting under a big umbrella, feeling the warm breeze, hearing the leaves rustle, and sipping lemonade. That’s the experience I hope others feel: a peaceful escape into a sunlit afternoon, where time slows down and everything feels just right.
Borislava’s Spring Habits
What is your spring uniform? I’m not sure I have a set spring uniform, but I’ll say balloon jeans, black loafers, a classic white tee, and a suede cowboy jacket with fringe. I love layering on lots of gold necklaces and rings to add a bit of character, and I always carry a little basket bag.
What three songs are on repeat on your spring playlist? These songs might not have a typical spring vibe, but they’ve been on repeat for me over the past two weeks: “Words Lost Meaning” by The Murder Capital, “Oily Heart” by Royel Otis, and “Javelin” by Rizzle Kicks.
What’s on your spring reading list? Right now, I’m finishing The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and Taste by Stanley Tucci. Next on my list are The Gentleman from Peru by André Aciman and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce. I also like to revisit What Great Paintings Say —it’s the kind of book that always has something new to reveal.
What is your favorite spring habit or indulgence? Watching the trees bloom and listening to the birds sing.
What is your go-to spring color palette? I really love all colors, but if I had to choose, I’d say deeper, warmer green tones in the darker part of the palette.
What do you hope to notice more this spring? Seeing everything come to life again is always such a beautiful reminder of renewal and growth.
What habit do you want to build this spring? I want to focus on learning Blender. While it’s not something associated with the season, spring feels like the perfect time for new things and fresh endeavors.
What habit do you want to break this spring? I want to finally redo my library. I’ve been avoiding it for over a year, and now my new books are stacked so high that I can barely see the ones behind them.
What is your ideal spring puzzling environment? My ideal spring puzzling environment is exactly like the scene in my illustration for the OH puzzle—sitting at a large wooden table under an umbrella, sipping lemonade, and listening to the breeze and birdsong. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxing and enjoyable puzzle session.
What other Ordinary Habit puzzle(s) do you love? I absolutely love the Herbarium Puzzle by Yelena Bryksenkova and Royel Mansour by Joanne Hendrickx . And for a Christmas choice, I have to mention Mihaela’s puzzle —it’s a special one for me.
What spring journaling prompt would you give to the Ordinary Habit community? Reflect on what truly brings you happiness and peace, and then explore how you can bring more of that into your creative work. Or perhaps dive into learning something new about an artist or person you admire—think about how that knowledge could inspire your own artistic growth!