Meet illustrator, graphic designer, and artist from Bangkok, Lili Tae

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Based in Bangkok, I work as an illustrator, graphic designer, and artist. Most of my personal work incorporates a bunch of weird and colourful ideas that are born of my imagination or from the peculiar dreams that I have from time to time.

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

Bangkok is a lively, colourful, and sleepless city with a mixture of skyscrapers, street stalls, and traditional temples. The energy of the environment here keeps me attentive and awake. Every time I go out, there will always be something in every corner I turn to that gives me ideas and thoughts to ponder on. It is fun being here.

Most of my personal work incorporates a bunch of weird and colourful ideas that are born of my imagination or from the peculiar dreams that I have from time to time.

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

Living in Bangkok is like living in between two extremes. We have well-designed luxurious malls and amazing food markets, very intricate decorated temples and vibrant nightlife all built within close proximity to one another. There are so many things to see and experience here. But the one thing I have longed for most is nature. There are not so many national parks or green spaces in the city. I try to take a trip to the beach or somewhere surrounded by nature whenever I have time.

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

Exciting, Nervous, Appreciated

How did you start your career in art?

I have always been drawing since I can remember. I filled all my textbooks with doodles. I had always thought art was just a hobby until my aunt introduced me to the world of fashion. She used to work as a brand manager for a high-end fashion brand. I got to spend time in her room looking through designs for upcoming collections. That was when I realised that I can use my creativity for so many things in this world. After I graduated from high school I decided to study Communication Design for my bachelor’s degree. Then I worked as a full-time graphic designer for one year before starting my Masters in Illustration and Sequential Design in Brighton. Now my student life is complete and I work as a freelance illustrator, designer, and artist.

I had always thought art was just a hobby until my aunt introduced me to the world of fashion.

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

Yes. I was nervous at first because my family is Thai-Chinese and commonly known to be conservative. I was not sure how would they react to my decision on studying design. But turns out they were very understanding and supportive of my decision. My father does not understand the world of art and design that well but he believes in me and my work.

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

I am willing to try something new all the time. There are many things I want to learn throughout my creative years. Hopefully, in between creating my own work, I get to learn something new alongside it. I would love to step out of my comfort zone and make something 3 dimensional or animated. I have always wanted to turn my peculiar characters into toy figurines.

I am willing to try something new all the time.

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

I would love to collaborate with some of my favourite musicians or bands. There’s this Japanese band called D.A.N. whose songs I listen to very often. Whenever I listen to their music, I would be able to create a mix of imagery and colours in my head. A change to create a visual alongside their music would be cool.

How would you describe the women around you?

Very ambitious and unique. I am very close to my family and I spend a lot of time with my relatives. I always look up to the women in my family, especially my aunts, both blood-related and in-laws. They are all very smart and confident women. And the most important thing behind their success is that everybody is very respectful and supportive towards each other. At the end of the day, the best part of being a human is being kind and supporting each other as a family, a friend, and a person, no matter what gender.

 At the end of the day, the best part of being a human is being kind and supporting each other as a family, a friend, and a person, no matter what gender.

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

Yes, my best friend Tun, aka Tuna Dunn. She is now a well-known artist in Thailand. We grew up together and she had always been the most talented artist in class. She always introduces me to interesting things that she thinks I might like or be inspired by. She always believes in me and encourages me to get my work out there. She is unique, fearless and will always be my idol.

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

From my experience, I have never thought of myself as a ‘female artist’. People usually appreciate my work before they actually know me. Most people notice and appreciate artists for their work. I don’t think gender should be something someone should consider when evaluating creativity and art.

Treasure the ones that support you, because they are the ones that light the fuel to your engine.

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

Photos courtesy of Lili Tae