We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bub a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Bub, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I believe the very essence of existence is optimism. Especially in today’s turbulent times, it can feel like—what’s the point? But there always is, and there always will be. As an artist, no matter where your creativity or inspiration comes from, you work from a place of hope—from a lens of magic. To know that everything around you was created by someone just like you makes it feel accessible, possible—like nothing is truly out of reach.
Even when we create from grief, the act of creation itself holds a doorway—a step rooted in optimism. It carries a longing, a wish, a desire to change what sits in front of you.
So yes, I believe optimism exists in all shapes and sizes, across every emotion. Sometimes it just needs a little push—and a belief that experiencing it all is the point. And a reminder that life is on your side, even in the face of hardship.
In the wise words of Bub, we say “In the living memory of all things dead – Like joy!” haha
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi, I am Bub! The unseen, the unheard, the narcissist, the keeper of delusion, and the breaker of dull in adulting and the seeker of fun in dysfunction! While we are born into this world, and our existence precedes our essence or purpose, Bub is an avenue of existence where essence precedes the existence.
A Bub simply translates into a friend, on its way to build a beautiful world with an infectious smile.
We welcome you to the bubble—this is where the real magic and meaning blooms. It all started back in 2014, and now, 12 years later, this bubble ain’t gonna burst! Born from a childhood obsession with cartoons and a desire to build a world I never saw in real life. Did I give Bub a voice, or did Bub give me one?
Bubs didn’t start with ambition or intention. It started as a haven. As kids, we feel free. We are blissfully unaware, ignorant in a way that protects us. The world we know is smaller, and maybe that’s why the mind has more room to wander—and in wandering, it discovers wonder. Bub was never a plan—it simply walked hand in hand with me at every step of life. Through the process of growing up and shedding the excess, through elimination and rediscovery, Bub remained. And in the end, Bub stood as a light—of meaning, and of more.
What started as a simple doodle years ago now holds an entire universe. And here I am, back to where it all began. I came home to the scribble—and called it Bub.
A Bub simply translates to a friend, on its way to build a beautiful world with an infectious smile—one who questions reality, the facts, the terms and conditions, and most importantly asks: what time is dinner?
Hop on. Be a Bub! Why? We say, why not.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three rules I live my life by:
1) Question every answer.
We’re born into a world where a lot of what’s man-made is treated as fact—like nature, like truth. But so much of it deserves to be questioned. You have to stay curious. It’s not math—you don’t need one right answer. Go find your own. Let it be rough around the edges, let it be misunderstood—just let it be. Don’t put yourself in a box. And if you really have to, at least build that box yourself.
2) Perfection is a myth.
The need for perfection is the biggest thief of joy—and the reason most ideas never leave the notes app. You have to be kind to yourself. You have to allow yourself to begin without expecting a 10/10 on day one. Let your imperfect self show up, do the work, and applaud yourself anyway. That’s already a win.
3) Be a little delusional.
The world comes with a lot of “ifs” and “buts.” It hands you an instruction manual for a life half-lived. There will always be people telling you how things are supposed to be. Listen—but then do it your way. Believe in your slightly kooky ideas, because you’re the one who brings them to life. Let that childlike, stubborn, irrational side of you take center stage.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Bubs is still a toddler in the commercial world. But this young, charming bub has already made appearances on numerous digital platforms, participated and won at the Pin-Up Show Atlanta 2023, and was even displayed at the Museum of Design Atlanta, where it won the People’s Choice Award 2023.
Bub has always loved being part of campaigns and projects that center around social responsibility. Bub was featured in the selected artworks for the Type For Kindness Gallery 2025, 2024, exhibited around the globe, and part of the Artists for Climate: Climate Collection 2023.
Right now, the love language of Bub is collaborations. We’re always on the lookout for curious, love-driven, passionate DMs and emails from individuals or brands who dare to make eye contact—and share a smile—with us.
We’ve collaborated with brands on clothing and beer bottle labels—honestly, we’ve got an infectious smile, and the world could always use more of it.
You’re all invited, and it’s BYOB — Be Your Own Bub. A place for friends, objects, and ideas with big feelings and small rules. Come as you are. Stay curious. Question everything (except snacks). Give us all your unhealthy, obsessive love. We’re here for it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nityabellani.com/character-design:-bubs
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.a.bub/
