Meet Taiwanese illustrator, Chih-chiao Huang aka CHIH.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, my name is CHIH, a self-employed illustrator based in Taiwan. I’ve graduated from Kingston University London in the UK 2 years ago. My work is a reflection of my fascination with spatial construction and interior design. I purposely draw each part very flatly with strong colours and retro tones. I like to hide many clues in my paintings, that can be traced from my strong interest in mysterious tales and detective novels.

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

I was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. It’s such a modern city that you can get anything you need/want in minutes. Taipei is a charming city with a diverse population and creative people. But to be honest, I admire the life in the countryside more.

I like to hide many clues in my paintings, that can be traced from my strong interest in mysterious tales and detective novels.

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

It’s nice to be close to plenty of art and culture activities in the city. However, such a bustle city cannot give me tranquility and peace.

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

Huge convenience, crowded (in every aspect), and distracted.

How did you start your career in art?

I had been a visual designer for more than 5 years in an advertising agency before I got the offer from an illustration master’s degree program. Luckily, I was allowed to put my tiny illustrations into design projects, and I believe that was the beginning of my art career. I tried to reach out to more opportunities to practice my skills of painting and to broaden my knowledge in this field.

Being a rebellious person, there’s no one who can stop me from things I’d love to do.

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

Being a rebellious person, there’s no one who can stop me from things I’d love to do. People around me thought it was good to have a specific goal in my life. They are supportive as always.

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

I love Berlin so much and I have always been interested in an international art residency so I’m going to try the German one in the upcoming year. Also, I hope I could apply my paintings on some new media out of 2D forms.

I love Berlin so much and I have always been interested in an international art residency so I’m going to try the German one in the upcoming year.

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

I would love to work with one of the great architects – Le Corbusier. I find his use of lines, shapes, and colours really inspirational. It’s so satisfying to see my artworks turn into architect in reality. (or should I chase the path of a professional architect instead?!)

How would you describe the women around you?

Most of them were conservative and girly (not a derogatory term). They used to follow the rules they’ve learned and never doubt or fight. That was contrasted with my personality and made me a maverick.

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

I didn’t admire anyone in any field when I was little. I dreamed to be an archaeologist and a writer. As I entered the creative industry, I was affected by illustrator Eszter Chen, her colour palette and figures intrigue me so much. Some part of me deep in mind was awakened.

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

Not really. I don’t really encounter this kind of challenge in my creative life so far. However, I’ve noticed that several female illustrators struggle with their roles as mothers and freelancers. Households are mostly women’s responsibilities in Asian society even it’s 2020. (sadly)

Be brave and be honest to yourself.

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

Be brave and be honest to yourself.

Photos courtesy of CHIH.