Meet illustrator and animator from Kuala Lumpur, Chein Shyan Lee.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am Chein Shyan also known as Vanessartpuff. Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, I studied Illustration in Birmingham. Currently based in Kuala Lumpur, I work in a tiny studio that specialises in commercial illustration and animation. I tend to work on multiple projects simultaneously as I have more ideas than what I could finish. Love to do reportage drawing and being in nature during my free time. Aspiring to be a 2D animator, embroiderer, lino printmaker, and crocheter.

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

I am currently living in Kuala Lumpur and it is pretty laid back in terms of lifestyle. There aren’t too many creative things to do, but we do have a few tiny art galleries and dated museums. Kuala Lumpur has a distinctive landscape, the vast contrast between skyscrapers and disintegrating shophouses are definitely interesting.

I am currently living in Kuala Lumpur and it is pretty laid back in terms of lifestyle.

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

Kuala Lumpur is vibrant with different cultures, but the art scene is very segregated in this city and most artists are still being overlooked

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

Step up game

How did you start your career in art?

After my art diploma in Kuala Lumpur, I went to Birmingham for a degree in Visual Communication and during my time there, I found what I am truly passionate about because of the creative freedom and exploration from the nature of the course. I have few opportunities like collaborating with Emma Press for a book about empowered women in Birmingham, short work placement with Hallmarks card and Illustrating in a high magistrate court. Currently, I am currently working with an illustration studio that gave me the opportunity to learn 2D animation. I am still learning new skills and knowledge as I go, and I will never stop learning.

I am still learning new skills and knowledge as I go, and I will never stop learning.

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

I have been blessed with supportive people around me especially my parents who funded me throughout my university in the arts program. People around me might not fully understand what I do most of the time and don’t take drawing as a serious career, but they support me regardless.

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

I really hope I can make some short feature animation and publish my own children’s book. I would definitely like to collaborate with more artists and hopefully, making Malaysia more inviting for all creatives.

I would definitely like to collaborate with more artists and hopefully, making Malaysia more inviting for all creatives.

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

I have so many on my list! I would love to collaborate with people from different disciplines like poets, story writers, music bands and so forth. I would love to collaborate with a storyteller and publish our own book!

How would you describe the women around you?

I truly believe it is important to have people around you with some qualities you look up to, I try to surround myself with creative and spiritual people. I find it more fulfilling to connect with people with similar energy and vision.

I find it more fulfilling to connect with people with similar energy and vision.

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

I admire the work of Yasmin Ahmad, she is a distinctive storyteller and film director. She is known to create humorous yet touching TVC during the festive season. I remember that sometimes I’m on the verge of crying while watching her TVC.  Yasmin was the executive creative director in Leo Burnett KL until her death in 2009. I do remember while working as a freelancer for Leo Burnett, people are still setting Yasmin’s work as a benchmark. She had made a huge impact on the art scene in Malaysia.

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

Personally I have not encountered any discrimination for being female in the industry, but I think anyone will face some challenges once in a while. So I believe we have to prepare ourselves on how to handle the situations.

Be really persistent on what you do, you might be just a corner away from success.

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

Be really persistent on what you do, you might be just a corner away from success. You will never reach it if you give up too soon.

Photos courtesy of Chein Shyan Lee.