Meet visual artist and graphic designer from Thailand, Manita Songserm.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a freelance graphic designer from Thailand. I started my career in 2013 as an exhibition graphic designer at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), working with experimental concepts and also applying various methods. I have combined experimental mediums with my collection of works as I meet multi shades of inspiring artists. My iconic work is a typo-eccentric book cover design and personal art for the Typewriter project.

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

I am okay living in Bangkok because my work does not require me to go outside my room that often. However, I occasionally spot some problems in the city that inevitably annoy me. This city is in the middle of every progress. Some of its potentials could have been developed to be more outstanding but unfortunately, Bangkok always faces hinders during these developments. What is interesting in Bangkok is that there are many things for us to observe, both rational and irrational. Surprisingly, people in the city can transform these mundane things into something fun and entertaining. I think this is the distinctive point of the city. 

What is interesting in Bangkok is that there are many things for us to observe, both rational and irrational. Surprisingly, people in the city can transform these mundane things into something fun and entertaining. I think this is the distinctive point of the city. 

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

The Best: Diversity

The Worst: Management system

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

Unique, Different, Individual

How did you start your career in art?

I was invited to join BACC since the time I almost graduated in Fine and Applied Arts Bachelor’s degree. At that time, I was basically keen on mixing graphic design with fine art. Looking back, I think I am lucky that I haven’t worked at an art studio and have been independent from the senior graphic designers. Working closely with curators and artists also helped me see the wider possibilities of designing. I can experiment with ideas without borders.

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

I have been strongly supported by my family ever since I chose my major. I feel grateful that they allowed me to try to get into a creative art school. After discussing my career path with them, they have given me moral support. They might understand my works better than myself now. 😀

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

Making more individual graphic artworks, having the chance to collaborate with artists in various styles, and still be happy with my career.

Making more individual graphic artworks, having the chance to collaborate with artists in various styles, and still be happy with my career.

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

Grimes. I always reply with this answer. I don’t know why, but my designs are mostly influenced by music, and I love her music. Although our artistic styles are different, it is worth trying to work together.

How would you describe the women around you?

I like and admire the girls who are working around me. They are unique and self-assured. I am always stunned by their uncommon but powerful attitudes. They are very cool.

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

The person that I have learned from during my 6 years of working experience is Pichaya Aime Supavanij. She is my curator and creative director. She showed and influenced me on how to work professionally from when I started my career in art. I learned a lot from her until I found my own way of thinking and confidence.

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

In terms of the design career, it is fair that we are not judged by age or gender. This is great because the only thing that is being judged is the work we produce.

I believe in my instinct. I listen to others’ opinions but I don’t forget to adhere to my own identity.

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

I believe in my instinct. I listen to others’ opinions but I don’t forget to adhere to my own identity. I try not to lose my standards and be responsible for every work that I do. Keeping your good mood and fun in the working process is also essential.

Translation by Natthakarn Amatyakul.

Photos courtesy of Manita Songserm.