Meet Taiwanese illustrator, AmelieHsieh.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m AmelieHsieh. I am an illustrator from Taiwan. I was born in a small town named Puli of Taiwan. I love drawing and painting since I was very young. My painting topics are more about girls, plants, animals, the universe, and dreams. I think I’m a little weird person but with a romantic heart and curiosity. I love to travel, it gets me more inspiration for my work. Every year I travel to different cities of the world, I’ve been to NewYork, Paris, London, Iceland, Tokyo, Thailand, Myanmar… Every time when I stay in a country I will stay at least one month to know more about the real local culture of it. I called my plan “one month on year.”

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I lived in Taipei for 10 years, it’s a busy and energetic city. This year I moved to Taoyuan, It’s more countryside and slowly, not so crowded and rush like Taipei.

I love to travel, it gets me more inspiration for my work.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing about living in Taoyuan is that it’s the airport’s location in Taiwan. It’s good for a traveler like me, and you can see many airplanes in the sky. The worst thing is that it’s not so fun and fashionable like Taipei, but it’s ok for me. When I want to see some art exhibitions or events I can take the bus to Taipei, it’s not so far.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

lovely, humorous, optimistic

How did you start your career in art?

Since I was very young the only thing I can do very well is painting, I think. Naturally, I studied in art school in senior high school and also in university. I started to do some illustrations and artworks since I was at university. After I graduated from art college, I extended my art work to more commercial cooperation, then I became an illustrator and painter. So it’s hard to say how I started it, it’s more like…art is a natural thing in my life so it became my career.

It’s hard to say how I started it, it’s more like…art is a natural thing in my life so it became my career.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

My parents also like art, so they are always supportive of my work. It’s a lucky thing for me and I appreciate it. Sometimes they still worry about my lifestyle and money because this career is not so steady like other jobs in Taiwan. But most of all, they stand by me.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I want to publish my own picture book this year. And I wish I could extend my artworks to more different fields and countries. Also, I want to do more big paintings because I’m used to painting small-sized works.

I want to publish my own picture book this year. And I wish I could extend my artworks to more different fields and countries. Also, I want to do more big paintings because I’m used to painting small-sized works.

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

JayChou, Woody Allen, Alessandro Michele, Ang Lee

How would you describe the women around you?

Diligent, tough, and optimistic.

Diligent, tough, and optimistic.

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

As a local female creative, I admire Jolin Cai, she is Taiwan’s famous singer. Although she is a singer, she tries everything to connect her music life. The best quality I learned from her is to try hard and try your best. She is a perfectionist but also with a gentle and kind heart. I think it’s what a beautiful woman is, tough but also soft.

I think it’s what a beautiful woman is, tough but also soft.

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

I think in Taiwan the challenge is about how to keep your own lifestyle of being female in the industry. Because being an artist, our lifestyle is not so steady like other jobs in Taiwan. We have to be brave about keeping our free lifestyle, especially if you’re married or have a baby or something. Asia has traditional family values. To keep our ideology and soul free, being single is a good choice in Taiwan.

Always be curious about this world.

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

Always be curious about this world. Remember to “have fun” while doing everything. Keep your own creative lifestyle and bring it to your work.

Photos courtesy of AmelieHsieh