Meet illustrator from Malaysia, Brindha Kumar.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hey, I’m Brindha, an illustrator from Malaysia. I would describe my illustration style as being fun, colourful, quirky, a little bit of reality mix with fantasy. I try to include a lot of pattern and colours because I’m always drawn to images that are very vibrant and detailed.

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

It’s a busy city with many conveniences, good food, friendly people and bad drivers. 🙂

It’s a busy city with many conveniences, good food, friendly people and bad drivers.

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

Best thing would definitely be the food! Just can’t get enough of the endless, delicious variety of food that Malaysia has to offer. In Malaysia, everything revolves around great food and great company!

Worst thing would probably be that sometimes it can get really hot and humid to the point where you don’t feel like doing anything.

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

Exciting. Challenging. Potential.

How did you start your career in art?

I only started after college. I did science subjects in college and it was not for me at all. I felt that I had to do something that I am really passionate about and will enjoy having as a career. So, I took some time off to do research because, at that time, I did not really know what Graphic Design was all about. Finally, I had chosen to do my degree in graphic communication design and furthered my studies in London. And I had noticed that all the projects I had done always revolved around illustration and it was then that I knew I wanted to be an illustrator.

I did science subjects in college and it was not for me at all. I felt that I had to do something that I am really passionate about and will enjoy having as a career.

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

I only started drawing because of my mother. My mom is quite artistic herself and she used to draw with me. I was fascinated by her drawings and I especially loved the way she played with typography. Intrigued by what I can create just through art, I was hooked and there was no turning back. She and my family have always been supportive of my career choice, they made it really easy for me!

Another person that played a huge role in my artistic journey is my art teacher, Mrs. Chee. I enrolled in art classes when I was 8 years old and for 5 years Mrs. Chee nurtured my passion and I learned so much from her. She allowed my creativity to blossom as each week she encouraged us to incorporate what we learned into our own artwork. Always the encouraging teacher, there was never a dull moment in her classes.

My mom is quite artistic herself and she used to draw with me. I was fascinated by her drawings and I especially loved the way she played with typography.

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

I have been telling myself to learn 2D animation but never had the time to do it. But I need to make time! It would open up more possibilities for my work and my creative expression.

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

It’s really hard to choose as I have so many creatives I would love to collaborate with but if I had to choose at this moment, it would be Kyle Platts. I love his fun, quirky illustrations.

How would you describe the women around you?

AMAZING! My mom would be the woman closest to me and she never fails to amaze me. Bringing up two children on her own, she is truly a wonder woman. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for her. Other women in my life such as my friends are also people I admire. They are such strong, independent, beautiful women, inside and out. I am really lucky to have them in my life.

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

It would have to be my mom and my art teacher, Mrs. Chee. To me, they are female creatives I looked up to and the people who had really influenced me in pursuing art and design.

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

I never saw being female as challenging in the industry I chose. But I can say it is challenging for me, as an illustrator, with a specific style that doesn’t really resonate with many people.

Don’t’ be afraid to be as expressive and out there as you want to be. Never limit yourself.

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

Yes, I would say,

• don’t be afraid to be as expressive and out there as you want to be. Never limit yourself.
• know your worth, don’t settle for less because that is what people think you deserve, you know what you deserve and you have to stand by it.
• work hard, nothing comes easy, you got to have the passion.
• be confident but humble at the same time.

Photos courtesy of Brindha Kumar.