Meet Paris-based illustrator and graphic designer, Astrid Prasetianti.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Astrid, I am an illustrator and graphic designer from Indonesia. I was born and raised in Jakarta. In early 2018 I moved to Paris to start a new chapter of life.

I’m a Visual Communication Design graduate and I’m still working in that field until now. I think my interest in visual has started since I was a kid. My parents used to register me for a local coloring competition. Since then, I used to draw more until I went to my university. I started to learn digital drawing when I was there.

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

Paris still amazes me. I know some people might say it’s overrated but for me, it’s a very inspiring city. I’m not only talking about the pretty parts of Paris with all of the beautiful buildings and museum, sure I agree they are pretty, but this city is very multicultural so you can experience the mix of cultures here.

Paris still amazes me.

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

What’s best is its museums. There’s also a lot of art exhibitions and cultural events that you can visit for free. Also public parks and gardens, something that is missing from Jakarta.

Worst : For me, I think it’s very expensive to live in this city.

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

Hard work, challenging, inspiring

How did you start your career in art?

I graduated from my university and started to work as an intern in an advertising agency, and then I realised that it wasn’t my place so I moved to a local design studio. I mostly work on graphic design, branding, layout, packaging, etc. And then I started to get some freelance illustration jobs along the way, at first for editorial illustrations and for others.

Right now, I’m starting my journey as a full freelance illustrator and graphic designer. It was challenging at first, especially in a whole new country with a totally different culture. It has its own challenge, but you just have to keep going. I don’t know how it will be in the future, we’ll see how it will bring me.

Right now, I’m starting my journey as a full freelance illustrator and graphic designer. It was challenging at first, especially in a whole new country with a totally different culture. It has its own challenge, but you just have to keep going.

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

Yes my family and friends are very supportive. My parents were very supportive about my decision on taking design as my university major although they don’t really have a creative background.

And right now my husband too. In fact, he was the reason I went back to drawing after I stopped for a while at university. When we just get to know each other, he saw my old drawings and he said it’s good. It became my motivation to start again.

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

One of my dreams is to create children’s books or at least drawings for children’s books.

One of my dreams is to create children’s books or at least drawings for children’s books.

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

Maybe Jeremyville. I love his works and it turns out he is very friendly in person! And also Lisa Congdon because she’s just simply inspiring.

How would you describe the women around you?

They are strong, independent, and creative. I went to girls’ school when I was in high school so I’m surrounded by strong, independent women and we support each other.

They are strong, independent, and creative.

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

I can’t really remember since I didn’t grow up in a family with a creative background.

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

I don’t think so, I think right now everyone in the industry is equal as long as you can work well.

Keep working hard and you will find your time.

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

Don’t compare yourself with others, because everyone’s timing is different. Keep working hard and you will find your time.

Photos courtesy of Astrid Prasetianti.