The Satori's first illustration

This image holds a special place in my heart: it is the one I originally chose to introduce Satori. My sister and I created it together. I drew the background by hand, and she created the characters.

The scene takes place in Bucharest, before Aya’s departure. During a conversation, a few words open up a new possibility: “You need to move to another country… experience something new.” They become a turning point, an invitation to discover the world and embrace a new experience.

But there is a whole journey between wanting to leave and actually leaving. Aya runs a business in Bucharest and is studying for a master’s degree. Leaving means closing her business and preparing for this transition. Then an opportunity arises: she is the last student on the list to be accepted for an Erasmus exchange. She chooses Paris because of the specialization offered by the school.

This stage of Aya’s journey is inspired by my own life. I, too, closed my business in Bucharest before moving to Paris as part of an Erasmus exchange.

This first illustration captures an important moment: when the desire to experience something new becomes a decision.

Today, I want to give this illustration a place here, behind the scenes, and bring it back as the first image in the book. You will find it in the Satori preview. It represents the turning point that set me in motion.

I invite you to explore the book preview and continue reading the chapters to discover the story of Satori.

Best wishes,

Laura, creator of Satori