Meet illustrator from Taiwan, Chawei Hsu.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a Taiwanese student studying graphic design in Japan. I also do illustrations as a freelancer. My goal is to know how my works turn out to be as I immerse in different cultures. Currently, I am drawing comics about my observations about Japan from a Taiwanese point of view.

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

I am currently living in Tokyo and this is the biggest city in Japan. There are so many inspirations I can get because trends here are changing rapidly day by day which is found in exhibitions, media, fashion, cosmetics, and unexpected new products. 

I am currently living in Tokyo and this is the biggest city in Japan.

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

Basically, I love this city. I think the best part is the food. I like soba (a kind of Japanese noodle) so much. 

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

Various, rapid, unpredictable 

How did you start your career in art?

I love drawing since I was a kid so I quite believed that I wanted to be involved in an artistic job since then. When I grew up I studied 3D animation at a university while being interested in illustration. Now, this is a big part of my life.

I love drawing since I was a kid so I quite believed that I wanted to be involved in an artistic job since then.

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

Yes, fortunately, people around me are supportive especially my parents. They sent me to a drawing class when I was 8 years old. This is a key point in my life. It made me find out that I really have a passion for creating things.

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

I am currently creating comics about living in Japan as a foreigner. Though I just started this a month ago, I’m really looking forward to making it more and more not just for Japanese people but also for those who are interested in life in Japan.

I am currently creating comics about living in Japan as a foreigner.

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

I am in love with Japanese band named Yogee New Waves recently. Collaborating with music artists will be a very fantastic thing to me!

How would you describe the women around you?

They are outgoing, pure, and sentimental. Most of my close female friends and my family have a pure heart and they believe that having a virtuous circle is important in relationships. 

So they are very kind to people, and sometimes they got hurt. I love them so much and they have a positive impact on my life.

They are outgoing, pure, and sentimental.

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

I didn’t know any female creatives when I was young. But I’m very inspired by the teacher in my high school. She always shares her works with us. She teaches interesting ways to think out of the box. We also have an art club every week and I was a member of it. The variety of art lessons we had made me feel that I want to do this as a lifetime job.

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

Maybe none. People like our works because the art piece itself is awesome.

Even when you don’t have a clear goal, just draw and believe in yourself.

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

Even when you don’t have a clear goal, just draw and believe in yourself.

Photos courtesy of Chawei Hsu.