Meet illustrator from Bangkok, Krit Tochan aka GTOCHAN.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello, My name is Krit. I was born in Ubon Ratchathani province (in lower northeastern Thailand). I lived there for 18 years then moved to Bangkok for college and my career. Mostly I do editorial illustration. I prefer to call myself an illustrator but I do some graphic design works too. Sometimes I draw because I want to express my feelings or some message that I am struggling in my head. I also love to do fanart from movies, series, singers and bands. It’s fun when you do something you’re really into it. I enjoy exploring new music and watching series and movies in my free time, especially those about the high school genre.

 

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

There are many big differences between my hometown and Bangkok. Ubon is peaceful, calm, and chill but can be boring because there are not many activities to do. Bangkok is chaotic, crowded and diverse. I easily find a lot of interesting activities to do here. There are nice cafes, art galleries, museums, bars to chill out and the parks to calm you down. It’s a good place for the creative field. I could say Bangkok is like my big working space. This city gave me new inspiration but it’s not a good idea to spend the rest of my life here. Living in Bangkok is exhausting sometimes. Whenever I feel tired, I really miss my hometown or I go somewhere that is peaceful.

 

Sometimes I draw because I want to express my feelings or some message that I am struggling in my head.

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

Bangkok has everything you want and it also has many interesting places and activities. The street food is everywhere and it’s combined between our culture and civilization.

The worst thing is the terrible traffic, crowded places, air pollution, and fewer parks. It would be great if Bangkok has more green spaces.

 

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

Inspire, Diverse, Crowded

 

How did you start your career in art?

I was drawn to children’s book illustrations since I was young. When I was in high school I did some of the fan-edited images to support my favorite bands. It was fun. Then I studied visual communication design as a major in college. I have learned many things and realized that I want to do something in Illustration or publishing design. In senior year, I did an illustrations project about ‘hormones and love’ and posted this project on Instagram then I got my first client. He contacted me to illustrate for advertising content. I have been working as an illustrator from that time. Now I do a lot of editorial illustrations about social issues. It’s challenging to improve my creative thinking and learn new techniques.

 

I was drawn to children’s book illustrations since I was young.

 

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

My parents rarely supported me. They were concerned a lot when I told them that I want to study in the art major. They thought careers in art are unstable. The success story that they wanted me to achieve is not the same story as mine. But now they worry less about me and give me more support. However, I am lucky to have my friends and other people around me that always believe in me and encourage all of my decisions.

 

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

I would like to improve my skills in creative thinking, visualization, animation, and 3D. I want to do an animation, children’s books, publishing, installations… Any various media that I can put my artwork in. I also want to have my exhibition at least once in my life.

 

I would like to improve my skills in creative thinking, visualization, animation, and 3D.

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

The first one is Jacqueline Wilson – my favorite children’s author. And the next one is Nick Sharratt – who always illustrated for Jacqueline’s books. I do love their work. It has been inspiring me. To collaborate with bands or singers are exciting for me. Hayley Kiyoko, Conan Gray, Little Mix, Troye Sivan, The 1975 are already on my list.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

The women around me are enthusiastic, empathetic, self-assured and hardworking. They have a strong passion to reach their goals. They are kind and always cheer up to the people around them.

 

The women around me are enthusiastic, empathetic, self-assured and hardworking.

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

I don’t have a specific one. I look up to many female creatives. For some of them, I just admire their works but I don’t know much about them, while I respect the attitude and lifestyle of the others. They have their own cool way.

 

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

I haven’t encountered a problem or a challenging aspect of being a female in my industry yet. There are various people here that want to show people what they are doing more than who they are but I think many still have a mindset that you must have a lovely, colorful style if you are a female artist or that street art is just suitable for a male artist. It’s unfair if the artists lose their opportunity just because of this reason.

 

Your works will bring you to the right place.

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

Being kind and honest to yourself is important. You can do what you want to, even if people around you do not support it. You can be the one supporter for yourself. If you’re happy then keep doing it. If you’re tired, just take a rest and relax. Failure is not a bad thing. Don’t be afraid of it, learn from it. Your works will bring you to the right place.

 

 

Photos courtesy of GTOCHAN.