Meet illustrator from Bangkok, Jidapa Chansirisarthapon aka JCCHR.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Jidapa Chansirisarthapon (JCCHR). I graduated from the faculty of Decoratives Arts Silpakorn University, BA of Visual Communication Design. After graduating, I worked in an advertising agency and also lived and studied in Kyoto but now I live and work as an illustrator based in Bangkok.

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

I also lived in Kyoto until last year, now I currently live in Bangkok. I love the contrast between the two cities I live in. Bangkok is so dynamic and lively. You can see the temple, university, and shopping complex stand in the same area. Lots of unique cafes and small galleries stay inside the streets and alleys. The city is always energetic even during night time. Contrast with Bangkok, Kyoto is so discreet and peaceful. Culture and history are in the heart of the city. Strolling along the river or riding on the train to the mountain is my favorite.

Bangkok is so dynamic and lively.

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

Bangkok > Best is family friends and my cat, worst is traffic and politics.

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

Bangkok > Trendy / Colorful / Nervous

How did you start your career in art?

After the 3rd year in university, I did an internship according to a university program for Vogue Thailand and at that time I was a part of this as a graphic designer. I made illustrations for digital content on their website. Kloset Design, a famous fashion brand in Thailand, gave me a chance to be a part of a team to create an illustration for spring-summer collection of 2015. I started my first portfolio in the fashion field and I got a job with another fashion brand to design patterns for their collection. Since then, I would always make illustrations and kept showing them on my social media and clients started contacting me after that. After I went to study in Japan I had an opportunity to collab with a design agency in Tokyo. My work was shown on a billboard in Shibuya. Now, I do collabs with more brands in the fashion and commercials fields in Bangkok as a freelance.

I always could transcribe a version of what I was seeing or thinking in my mind on paper and I love that feeling.

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

Since I was a child, I’ve made drawings. I always could transcribe a version of what I was seeing or thinking in my mind on paper and I love that feeling. Our family business is a pharmacy. It will be great if I can be a pharmacist or doctor to carry on our family business but I don’t think I can do it well because I know exactly what I want to do. My family respected my decision with understanding and always supported me.

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

I would like to see what my creativity will become in the future after this and I am willing to keep creating fresher and better work and keep growing with it.

I would like to see what my creativity will become in the future after this and I am willing to keep creating fresher and better work and keep growing with it.

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

Guillermo del Toro. He is my favorites film director. His perspective of fantasy is so unique, deep, and charming. Whenever I see his movies, every detail of the character, how he tells his story or a bit of tone of light in his created world always inspires me.

How would you describe the women around you?

Superwoman! I am surrounded by smart, with a good mindset, and very nice women. They are full of passion for their goals and life balance and always give me good advice.

Superwoman! I am surrounded by smart, with a good mindset, and very nice women. They are full of passion for their goals and life balance and always give me good advice.

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

I don’t have any specific one for local. In terms of non-local, I admire the works of ‘CLAMP’  Their works influenced me since I was a middle school. They are all female Japanese who work together as a manga artist group. Their works are distinguished by their diverse visual styles, details, and emotions.

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

I don’t think gender is a judge as long as you can be yourself and believe in your work.

People will appreciate your work as ‘you’ not the gender you are.

Be yourself and trust your instincts.

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

Be yourself and trust your instincts.

Photos courtesy of Jidapa Chansirisarthapon