Meet Singapore-based designer and illustrator, Sze Yan aka barbarian flower

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I majored in illustration and working as an advertising designer. I am obsessed with every gorgeous thing to stimulate my inspiration. I’m glad I can draw when I’m feeling bored to pass the time and to make me feel good.

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

It’s packed but everyone keeps their distance.

The people here have no patience but there are often queues.

People are attached to their phone a lot and have their heads down all the time whenever on the train, walking or on the table.

I like the city because it is really easy to get around, the city is clean, and there is very little crime. As a solo girl, I feel very safe here.

I am obsessed with every gorgeous thing to stimulate my inspiration. I’m glad I can draw when I’m feeling bored to pass the time and to make me feel good.

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

Best:

Transport: Is so easy to reach everywhere.

Worst:

Weather: Hot and getting more panic while in a stressful city

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

Proud, excited, discovering

How did you start your career in art?

My case was fairly straightforward, in that I convinced my mom to let me go to art school. After I graduated, I went into the industry straight away. It was just a little more difficult to convince my mom, after all, I was a science student and my grades were pretty good, and my mom would want me to work in her ideal industry.

Until now, they don’t understand what I am doing as an artist. Despite this, I believe my interest in drawing was groomed by my mother. My mom always had some drawing activity for me and sent me to art class when I was small. I also believe that our family has artistic genes, we all love to sing!

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

Not exactly. My relatives and teachers wanted me to become a teacher, or some profession that was good in their opinion. Until now, they don’t understand what I am doing as an artist. Despite this, I believe my interest in drawing was groomed by my mother. My mom always had some drawing activity for me and sent me to art class when I was small. I also believe that our family has artistic genes, we all love to sing!

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

Let’s not really go back to the action, I think it will be a solo exhibition and publish a book with the collection of my illustrations. Also, more and more collaborations from all over the world.

Let’s not really go back to the action, I think it will be a solo exhibition and publish a book with the collection of my illustrations. Also, more and more collaborations from all over the world.

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

Can’t think about anybody. But really wanted to make art collaboration with F&B and fashion brand.

Like Gucci, one of the brands that I really love. I love how they present their aesthetic and I dream to have a collaboration with them.

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

The way you draw will change over time, and sometimes you want to get back to the way you used to draw, but it’s hard.

Also, the lack of inspiration always happens to me too!

Ambitious, struggling, and balanced. Women over here are taking on responsibilities at a young age in this modern generation. No longer do they have the idea of being dependent on men, but they all long to be loved.

How would you describe the women around you?

Ambitious, struggling, and balanced. Women over here are taking on responsibilities at a young age in this modern generation. No longer do they have the idea of being dependent on men, but they all long to be loved.

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

Never thought about this aspect. I would say that I am focused on myself more to become the one I want to be and unique to others.

Uniqueness is always what artists are after. Looked up for people sometimes you lose focus on yourself and may overlook the strengths in you.

Sharpen your skills, expand your horizons, and practice more. Most importantly, don’t be too easily satisfied with your work, as this will only stop you in your tracks.

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

Sharpen your skills, expand your horizons, and practice more.

Most importantly, don’t be too easily satisfied with your work, as this will only stop you in your tracks.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

Chinese musics, dream pop, electronic

What’s your favorite local food spot?

Can’t tell, my favourite foods are all located in different places. But you can find nice food in every food center generally.

Angela Wang asks: What has been the highlight of your artistic journey so far?

I drew on a canvas for Nando’s competition when I was in college. Unbelievable, the artwork is sold!

REIKA asks: Does art have to be meaningful all the time?

At least not for me, as long as it looks good for others. Art is too subjective and people press ‘LIKE’ for pretty things.

But sometimes I would love to do something with meaning and hope to impact others.

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

If not becoming an artist, what would you be?

Photos courtesy of barbarian flower