Meet illustrator based in Bangkok and London, Manasawee “Jane” Rojanaphan.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I am Jane, an artist and illustrator from Thailand currently doing my Masters in London. I am a storyteller through my artworks and try as much as possible to transfer my imagination to reality.

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

Bangkok is very interesting because it mixes cultures from different nationalities and religions. Most of the people in the city are very creative in general even when they are not in the art career. The challenging part is that living in the city might be overwhelming sometimes, you must know what is your inner peace. Fortunately, my neighborhood is peaceful and very quiet than in the central area. That’s why I love Bangkok, I can choose to go to central to explore new events or meet people after then I can come back to my peaceful area.

London is the perfect city to study art. There are a ton of art exhibitions, art fairs, art activities, and museums. I can say that this city is a big influence on my art. Before I came here, my artworks were more fun and colorful but lack content. Now, I became more thoughtful and think about my message before thinking about final artwork.

Bangkok is very interesting because it mixes cultures from different nationalities and religions. Most of the people in the city are very creative in general even when they are not in the art career.

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

The best thing in Bangkok is diversity! You will see old buildings, temples, high buildings, and markets in the same area. My favorite is the diversity of food which is mostly very delicious and cheap.

The traffic jam is the worst nightmare, many people in Bangkok spend hours on the street every day. I think public transportation is something we really need to improve.

The best thing in London is the art exhibitions. There are worldwide exhibitions from around the world in this city. You can see the masterpieces from the legendary artists here. The worst thing about living in London is it is very expensive.

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

Bangkok: energetic, skilled, flexible

London: thoughtful, unique, lively

How did you start your career in art?

I did a BA Applied Art Painting in Thailand. After I graduated, I started my career as a graphic designer in the company. At that time, I started to write my own stories and work on my personal projects. One day, The gallery contacted me to exhibit my paintings. After then, I had several collaborations and exhibitions in Thailand. Then, I got a chanced to do my Masters in Visual Arts: Illustration in London.

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

There were some people who try to destroy my self-confidence and criticize my artworks in an uncreative way. However, Most of the people surrounding me are very supportive: my parents, my sibling and my friends. These people around me help me get through everything and support me to move forward every time. I couldn’t have reached this far without them.

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

My goal is to inspire people through my works such as the people who want to do something better for their life or for their society. My long term goals is to be a part of a group of people who improve the education system in Thailand. I am not sure what I can do but I will figure it out in the future.

My goal is to inspire people through my works such as the people who want to do something better for their life or for their society. My long term goals is to be a part of a group of people who improve the education system in Thailand. I am not sure what I can do but I will figure it out in the future.

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

Tim Burton is my favorite director of all the time. He inspired me to get in the art career when I was young. I think it would be so much fun to work with him and I definitely can learn a lot.

How would you describe the women around you?

They are powerful, independent and unique. I have no idea why they all have these qualities but they really are. They do everything by themselves and support each other at the same time.

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

I just realized that every creative I looked up to when I was growing up were all guys. The only female creatives I looked up is Yuko Shimizu but she is not in my local creative scene. I hope in the future we have more local female creatives to inspire others in our city.

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

I don’t think so, I think this industry is for any gender because people look at what you do more than how you look. But you might need your own unique character to help you present yourself in the industry either through your art or your look.

Listen to yourself. You have to know your inner voice and what you really want to communicate with society.

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

Listen to yourself. You have to know your inner voice and what you really want to communicate with society. Plus, work hard and practice to improve your skills because it is a tool for you. Do not forget to try a variety of techniques to find the best that suits yourself.

Photos courtesy of Manasawee Rojanaphan.