Mala Lino is a collaborative art practice by Magda and Ilaria, combining contemporary illustration and traditional linocut to create eco-conscious prints inspired by everyday life. Their mission is to grow into a sustainable art business, sharing thoughtful, expressive and handcrafted design with a wider audience through continued learning and creative growth.
Hi Magda and Ilaria! First off, what attracted you to your craft?
We’re drawn to linocut for its rich textures and endless opportunities to experiment, from colour mixing and ink trials to exploring different tools. There’s something truly exciting about blending traditional printmaking techniques with a modern twist, keeping the craft alive while making it our own.
What inspired you to start your own creative business since graduating from UAL?
We missed the creative freedom we enjoyed at university, so starting our own business felt like the perfect way to rediscover that spark. Learning a new technique, experimenting, and seeing our skills grow was incredibly rewarding. Launching a creative business also pushed us out of our comfort zone, allowing us to combine our design expertise and professional experience with our shared love for hands-on, artistic creation.
How do you approach sustainability in regards to your products?
Sustainability has been central to our work from the start, though it has been challenging. We recycle as much material as possible, especially paper and lino, and carefully choose eco-friendly inks. Our
packaging is biodegradable or recyclable, and we use thermal-printed labels to reduce ink and cartridge waste.
Do you have any rituals or processes to help you get inspired to design and illustrate?
We’re inspired by the poetry of everyday life, ranging from the charm of simple objects and the beauty of food to the rhythm of music. In our studio, Italian songs fill the air as we sketch and create, blending our contrasting personalities and the bond of over eleven years of friendship.
How would you summarise your collection in a few sentences, words?
Fun, vibrant and playful; a nod to those cosy, everyday moments we share with our pets. The prints capture cats curling up in boxes and dogs snoozing on their beds, reminding us to slow down, take in the simple joys, and appreciate the love they bring into our lives.
And finally, what are your hopes for Mala Lino’s future?
We’d love to keep creating new designs and growing our brand. Exploring our prints on fabric really excites us, adding texture and depth while keeping sustainability in mind. In the future, we’d love to develop a wearable line, starting with bags and T-shirts.