Chia Chi Lee of Mr. Goat

Meet illustrator from Taiwan, Chia Chi Lee of Mr. Goat.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

“ If danger was a beautiful woman, I would marry her.” — Flapjack

“ If drawing was a charming guy, I would marry him. “ — Me

My parents sent me to several art classes when I was little. I’ve learned piano, ballet, and drawing. I was not a girl with patience, and I was not willing to repeat practicing the same period. Drawing was the only thing I found myself patient with. And It has been the most therapeutic thing for me to do when I was in school (especially in math class). “The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack” is one of my favorite shows on Cartoon Network. The scene I mentioned above impressed me the most. What Flapjack said was simple and touching. It reminded me of my passion for drawing as a little girl. And this is why my illustration brand is called “ Mr. Goat “ instead of a female title. (I’m straight)

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

Really Humid. It feels extra hot in the summer, and even colder in the winter. There’s no point spending much time on grooming your hair, It won’t last. ( This is part the reason why I’m always in a ponytail or high bun.)

Taipei is a city with convenient transportation and great life function.

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

Taipei is a city with convenient transportation and great life function. People are friendly, and it’s relatively safe when walking alone at night. The only thing I would complain about is the high house rental fees. It’s a struggle for me to balance between living quality and rental expenses. ( Buying a house is not an option for lots of young people. )

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

Happy / Free / Worthwhile

How did you start your career in art?

I’ve worked in a company as a graphic designer after I graduated from university. I spent at least eight hours a day working, five days a week. When I realized that I might spend most of my time satisfying others working as an office lady. Working for myself doing what I love the most is worth trying. And here I am.

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

My parents stayed neutral at first. They were supportive of me working as an independent creative but worried about my income. And my friends were supportive all along. They encouraged me when I was feeling down and also bought my products even when they weren’t well-made that time, to give me a little bit of financial support. (I’m all good now)

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

Sometimes being a creative means that I might spend lot’s of time drawing things that I want to throw away when It’s done. Being casual and focus on the present actually helps me keep my anxiety away and go further.

Being casual and focus on the present actually helps me keep my anxiety away and go further.

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

FKA Twigs and Sheena Ringo!

How would you describe the women around you?

Independent, loving and hard working.

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

It’s a bit embarrassing that I spent most of my childhood watching cartoons on TV. I do look up to some of the creatives in the present, such as FKA Twigs and Sheena Ringo. Twigs and Ringo both perform as using every strength to do the best. Watching their performances always gives me the motivation to do better.

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

Being a female is not an issue in our industry in my own experience. I wish females can be treated equally in all industries.

Set achievable goals, and do your best step by step.

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

Set achievable goals, and do your best step by step.

Photos courtesy of Chia Chi, Lee (Mr. Goat)

Category:

Taiwan

Date:

July 8, 2019

Tags:

art asian Chia Chi design female graphic art illustration Lee Mr. Goat painting Taipei Taiwan Taiwanese watercolor woman