Cleo Rinofner is a freelance illustrator, comic artist, and storyteller based in Graz. With a penchant for the weird, otherworldly, and grotesque, Cleo’s work often visualizes themes of otherness, queerness, and mental health through bold outlines and playful compositions.
Cleo first took up the pen when they were a toddler and since then has never put it down again. It was clear for everyone around them that art would be in their future one way or another. But she really cemented her career when she attended HTL Ortwein, a school with a focus on creative careers. She graduated in Graphic Design in 2014.
Since 2016 they have struck out on their own and since then have worked as a freelance illustrator and comic artist on various projects. Most notably, three standalone graphic novels in the widely popular „Lumberjanes“ series, published by BOOM!Studios and a short comic for the renowned cartoonist magazine „The Nib“. Currently she is working on her own debut graphic novel telling the tragic love story between a huntress of monsters and a harpy, as well as other smaller comic projects.
In 2023, Cleo was approached by translator and lead researcher Guy Ben-Tov to spearhead the exploration of Shokrafian art, aiming to make these ancient and enigmatic works accessible to the human public. Her research has unveiled previously unseen Shokrafian art, rich with Farfaist iconography, offering a fresh perspective on these mysterious cultural artifacts.
At the helm of Shufu Studio, Rinofner has carved a niche as a leading figure in bringing forgotten civilizations and their obscure art into the contemporary spotlight. With a profound background in art history, she has dedicated her efforts to unearthing and interpreting the cryptic visual language of ancient cultures. As the artistic director of the project, Rinofner spearheaded the artistic research and curation of First Age Shokrafian artwork, a body of work steeped in mystery and mysticism. Their meticulous approach has been instrumental in translating Shokrafian art’s complex, alien beauty into a form that resonates with modern audiences.
Rinofner’s expertise lies in their ability to balance scholarly rigor with creative interpretation. Their work on “The Tablets of Holath” not only revived interest in Shokrafian culture but also set a new standard for presenting ancient art in contemporary contexts. Through their leadership, Shufu Studio has become a beacon for those drawn to the macabre and the mystical, offering a portal into the unknown.