Meet illustrator from Taipei, Mia Hsiao.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am Mia Hsiao, a freelance illustrator based in Taipei, Taiwan. I love my job because it exposes me to many different things. My hobby is sleeping and dreaming. That’s my best source of inspiration. No matter when I am down or happy, painting can make me feel better. Painting can make people discover themselves and express their emotions. Creation for me is like documenting life. It is the best way to express myself.  

 

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

I live in Taipei, a city that is a dream destination for many other people seeking better opportunities, freedom, and safety. In this city, you can easily get to beautiful mountains and go down to enjoy the serene beaches. It is a fast-paced life for many people with stories to tell.  

 

Creation for me is like documenting life. It is the best way to express myself.

 

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

I do not like how crowded my city is. There are too many people and not enough space while the city continues to build house after house. I feel like I live in a city where you can only see a small piece of the sky. Taipei is convenient, it can fulfill all your demands, whether it is food or public transportation. You can enjoy them anytime, anywhere!  

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

Crowded, convenient and colorful.  

 

How did you start your career in art?

Drawing has been a passion of mine since I was a kid but I would never have thought it would become my career. I thought I would become like everyone else, working in an ordinary desk job after I graduated from college. However, I received an illustration case and I gave myself a chance to try it. I am still young and there are so many possibilities in life, whatever the result may be, I know that I have done my best for my work and have no regrets. The only way to discover what my passion was to just do it and I always remind myself to not limit myself, just because I am scared. 

 

I always remind myself to not limit myself, just because I am scared.

 

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

My friends and family are supportive, and they are proud that I am doing what I love. There was a time when I felt lost and I could not find any creativity for my work, but my friends and family were there for me through my worst days. I am a fickle person and I change my mind a lot, but they bear with me. Because of them, I was able to get back on my feet and continue my passion. For that, I thank them from the bottom of my heart.  

 

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

I would love to collaborate with creatives from different industries, especially in the media. The experience I learn from other creatives would expand my horizon with new ideas. I also hope to hold more talks to help creators enter the illustration industry and share my experience with them.  

 

I would love to collaborate with creatives from different industries, especially in the media.

 

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

I want to collaborate with my best friends and create amazing work and memories with them.  

 

How would you describe the women around you?

I have great friends who work in different creative industries and they are so talented and tough but also warm and cute. I have learned a great deal from them.  

 

I have great friends who work in different creative industries and they are so talented and tough but also warm and cute.

 

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

I look up to a lot of people because I can learn so much from them. Everyone is special and unique to me and there is always something that I can look up to.

 

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

In the art and creative industry, there is no difference between men and women. There is no inequality and I can see everyone is working for their dreams and their career.  

 

Work hard, practice hard and you will slowly find your passion.

 

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

Just do it. There are many different things to try, especially when you are young. Believe in yourself. Work hard, practice hard and you will slowly find your passion.    

 

 

Photos courtesy of Mia Hsiao.