Miffy - The power of simplicity in design

I recently bought a crocheted version of Miffy, a character that holds a special place in my heart. Originally known as Nijntje, she was created by a Dutch artist, Dick Bruna, as a picture book character, and I first discovered her during my studies in the Netherlands.

Every time I look at Miffy, I’m struck by the genius of her simple design. With just two dots for eyes and a small “x” for a mouth, her features feel effortless yet perfectly capture her personality. This simplicity has transformed her from the pages of children’s picture books into a global, instantly recognizable character.

Inspired by Miffy’s timeless charm, I started sketching my own playful variations, adding subtle twists to her character while preserving her simplicity.

Miffy’s success is a powerful reminder that less is often more. In both art and life, it’s easy to get caught up in complexity, but sometimes, a few simple lines, a clear concept, and the confidence to let go of the rest are all we truly need.