Swedish-born and newly based in Lisbon, after several years in Berlin, Alice Larsson is a children's book illustrator whose work blends warmth and wonder. Her snail mail club, Arty Mail Club, lands on your doorstep each month with a letter, a drawing, and her latest obsessions – from her new favourite watercolours to books she's loved, and real insights from life as an illustrator.
As part of our snail mail residency – a celebration of handwritten letters and the people who still send them – we asked Ali 10 questions. Consider this your invitation to her club.
How did it all start?
I started my snail mail mostly because I promised myself to consume more physical media – to sit down and read, and to remind myself to slow down. Together with my followers, who always have a bunch of questions about my life as a children’s book illustrator, I thought I could combine the two.
It became a way to answer those questions, share industry insights, and hopefully inspire others, while also creating something that feels a bit more personal and intentional than another email in your inbox. I’ve always loved the idea of us having something together, like a small club, and snail mail feels so intimate, a quiet revolt against mass communication.
What do you love about snail mail?
I love that it feels genuine, creative, and like we’re all a part of some sort of ‘sisterhood of the traveling pants’. I also love receiving something in the letterbox that isn’t just bills!
Best piece of mail you’ve ever received?
I was given my grandpa’s old love letters to my grandma. They’re so precious to me, and they’ll always remind me how important it is to write to each other.
What’s your most treasured stationery item?
By far my journals and sketchbooks – they go everywhere with me.
Take us inside your process – how does a letter come together?
My letters always start with the writing process. I send them at the end of each month, so I like to recap what that month has felt like. As my life is very art-focused, the letters usually lean that way, creative, reflective, but sometimes it’s as simple as a recipe I’ve loved that month. I just include anything that’s inspired me.
I always add a print, usually the one that seems to resonate most, but I also let people choose if they’d prefer a specific one. It takes time, but it’s so worth it.
Then it’s the never-ending hours of wax sealing the letters and putting in all the little extra surprises before sending them off.
Do you follow themes, or does each one evolve as you go?
I follow seasons and feelings more than themes. But (the mess that I am) they come together as I go!
How do you want your subscribers to feel when they open their mail?
The main feeling I always hope for is that they want to create. I think being creative in any form is so important, so a general feeling of inspiration would be my biggest wish.
And to my dear fellow illustrators, or aspiring illustrators, I want them to feel hopeful, excited, and supported.
Go-to soundtrack when packing your mail?
Spotify playlist: ‘Romcom main character morning routine’. Niche but fab.
Describe your snail mail community in 3 words.
Creative, curious, thoughtful.
What’s the perfect way to finish a letter?
I always finish mine with some favourites from that month – something light, like a cute film or a book.
And of course the classic: love, Ali.
