Meet children’s book illustrator from Jakarta, Fanny Liem.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Fanny. I’m from Indonesia. I was born in Medan and live in Jakarta. I love drawing since I was a kid. I think my art passion is from my dad. He is really a good painter. I remember when I was little, my uncle had given me a children’s storybook with beautiful pictures and from that moment I fell in love with children’s picture books.

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

Jakarta is a crowded and hectic city with horrible traffic but a unique city because of its diversity. With diversity, we are challenged to be creative in any way.

Jakarta is a crowded and hectic city with horrible traffic but a unique city because of its diversity. With diversity, we are challenged to be creative in any way.

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

The best thing about living here is the food! If you feel hungry, you don’t need to go outside to buy food. You can just click an app for food delivery. I think because I am an introvert type of person I don’t go out so much. I just feel more comfortable when I’m at home.

The worst thing is the traffic jam. The traffic in this city is really frustrating.

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

Hard work, consistency, and enjoy

How did you start your career in art?

I am a self-taught artist. I never went to college because of economic problems. I started my career as a cashier and layouter in a newspaper. I stopped drawing since graduating from high school because I had to work to support my family. One day my sister introduced me to the world of illustration while I was working as a layouter in the newspaper. I fell in love with it and I always used my break time at work to learn about it. Eventually, I quit my job to pursue my career as a freelance children’s book illustrator.

One day my sister introduced me to the world of illustration while I was working as a layouter in the newspaper. I fell in love with it and I always used my break time at work to learn about it.

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

They were not really supportive at first because they think how can I support the family through drawing, but now they are supportive of my dream.

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

I just want to be an inspiration for other people.

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

Poly Bernatene! He is my inspiration hero for children’s book illustration! I really love his works! He is amazing!

How would you describe the women around you?

Strong just like my mother.

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

My sister, Lenny Wen. She is younger than me but she is the one who introduced me to the world of illustration. She always inspires me.

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

I think the challenging part is about promoting yourself on social media. I’m really bad at doing that.

Don’t give up! Never stop to learn! Just Draw! You can do it! Just don’t stop drawing and be an inspiration!

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

Don’t give up! Never stop to learn! Just Draw! You can do it! Just don’t stop drawing and be an inspiration!

Photos courtesy of Fanny Liem.