We're so excited to catch up with Lulu Kitololo, the creative force behind the gorgeous notecard sets, greeting cards, and tea towels we carry and love! Lulu brings a warm, thoughtful approach to her work, blending illustration, storytelling, and a deep appreciation for everyday beauty. We talk about her journey into creativity, what inspires her designs, and how it feels to see her pieces become part of people's homes and meaningful moments!
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and the work you do.
I'm an artist, designer, and creative director, always moving between worlds of making, storytelling, and building. Over the past 20 years, I've worked as both a practicing artist and a communications designer. I create a collection of stationery, gifts, and wall art under Lulu Kitololo, featuring my signature hand-drawn aesthetic that celebrates nature and African culture.
I also run Studio Njano, a boutique creative communications agency that specializes in information visualization for world-changing clients across the globe. In 2018, I founded Afri-love Fest, a celebration of creativity that now runs twice a year in Nairobi and Voi.
I'm also completely obsessed with food — eating it, cooking it, and watching other people cook it. Right now, cooking ASMR on YouTube is my happy place!
2. What inspires your work, and what does your creative process look like?
I am inspired by the diversity in nature and by the richness of African culture. I enjoy learning and observing and this is how my designs begin. It might be a plant spotted on a walk or discovering deities from an African belief system.
One of my favorite parts of my creative process is visual research. Gathering and looking through images until specific ideas are sparked. I then doodle — abstracting things, making them my own, creating something which I will then draw more intentionally. I used to draw on paper and nowadays, I mostly draw on my tablet. From there, the drawings are imported to my computer where I have fun experimenting with color and composition. Once I'm happy with this, it's prepared for print.
It's why we love working with Zuri because we have a shared appreciation and enthusiasm for our rich continent and a shared love of vibrant color, pattern and good vibes!
3. What are you currently looking forward to?
This year is exciting as we're launching 5 new collections, including a collaboration with a bag brand based here in Kenya (Ikwetta). We're also going to be turning our brick and mortar store into an art installation which is really exciting because we're basically embarking on a giant craft project! We can't wait!
Lulu recommends Rhumba by Kenyan Afropop band, Wanavokali.
It's one of my faves from our local artists! The medley of voices is like a warm hug and, like with many popular Kenya songs, there's a lot of fun word play!
Lulu recommends Butterfly Burning by Yvonne Vera, a striking and unforgettable read.
Set in colonial Zimbabwe, it follows Phephelaphi, a young woman navigating love, desire, and her fierce longing for independence. Vera's prose is poetic and deeply evocative, weaving a story that feels both intimate and expansive!
