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Kimberly Tan

Kimberly Tan

Meet illustrator from Singapore, Kimberly Tan.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Kimberly and I’m an illustrator. I get inspired by colourful things that have an underlying dark message because I find it relatable to the day and age we’re living in. I also get ideas from both eventful and uneventful happenings from day to day life, and random thoughts I have before I fall asleep at night.

 

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.
I live in Singapore and I would say it is a pretty country that progressed too fast for its own good.

I live in Singapore and I would say it is a pretty country that progressed too fast for its own good.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?
Best – Everything is easily accessible, food is great, it is my home.
Worst – The heat, the cost of living, everything being so politically correct.

 

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.
Challenging, practical but still fun.

 

How did you start your career in art?

I’ve always made paper dolls to play with when I was young, beats having a Barbie because I could draw them however I like! I went on to pursue graphic design in school, which kickstarted my passion for illustration. I started posting some of my works on Instagram and everything started growing more from there. I think I just managed to hop onto the social media train at the right time, to be honest. It was 50% luck and 50% hard work.

 

I started posting some of my works on Instagram and everything started growing more from there. I think I just managed to hop onto the social media train at the right time, to be honest. It was 50% luck and 50% hard work.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?
My family and friends are pretty supportive, which I am super grateful for, because I know of many peers who couldn’t follow the creative path because of parents’ wishes, societal pressure and financial difficulties.

 

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?
I wanna work with more mediums and continue to refine my art style. It would be lovely to see my art being applied to other areas as well, such as animations, installations, murals, etc.

 

I wanna work with more mediums and continue to refine my art style. It would be lovely to see my art being applied to other areas as well, such as animations, installations, murals, etc.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

Probably David Fincher or Wes Anderson. I would love to make set collaterals for their movies!

 

How would you describe the women around you?

They work hard for what they believe in and are truly genuine people.

 

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

The local art scene wasn’t given much exposure when I was younger, so, unfortunately, I don’t know of any. I’m glad the art scene is way more vibrant now. I now look up to the creatives around me, who also happen to be my friends. They are all strong in different areas, and I always have something to learn from them.

 

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Not specifically as a female artist, I actually feel grateful that female artists are pretty supported in our community.

 

Be true to yourself, work hard, but don’t take art too seriously because it is supposed to be fun and healing.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Be true to yourself, work hard, but don’t take art too seriously because it is supposed to be fun and healing.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Kimberly Tan.

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