Meet multidisciplinary creative from Jakarta, Owi Liunic

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi! My name is Okyviane Liunic. People call me Owi. Currently a Jakarta based fulltime freelance multidisciplinary creative. My work ranges from art direction, graphic design, illustration, motion, 3D, and augmented reality filters. My work is mostly bright and playful. I like to explore different mediums and try new unfamiliar things. The jittery strokes and the neon colours often shown in my work. I’m also running an art collective studio called Press Pause Studio, selling art rugs, home decor and maybe some apparel in the future.

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

I’m born and raised in Jakarta. I thought it was fine living here because at that time I didn’t have other cities as the comparison. When I took my study in Bandung, everything changed. I realized that I actually love living near nature where I can feel the fresh air and look at the blue sky. I was living a slow-life. After I finished my study, I had to go back home to Jakarta. I had to adjust my way of life all over again. It’s totally different from Bandung. Jakarta is a fast-paced city where everyone hustles. There’s pros and cons for sure.

The best thing about living in Jakarta is that I can get my motivation to create by seeing others create too. It makes me hustle even more. It made me who I am now.

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

The best thing about living in Jakarta is that I can get my motivation to create by seeing others create too. It makes me hustle even more. It made me who I am now. On the other hand, it sometimes makes me burnt out and really want to get out of this city once in a while to be in nature or to just go for a walk. You can’t take a proper walk here in Jakarta because it’s not very safe and the air pollution is just awful. Jakarta has its own MRT for a while now. I’m glad that this city is gradually improving!

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

Hopeful, Explorative, Exhausting.

How did you start your career in art?

I used to have this Sunday draw with my mother and sister when I was a child. I guess it wasn’t enough for me back then so I liked to make scribbles on the hallway and often got scolded for it. I remembered I drew a Sailor Moon on the wall. I’m still a big fan of Sailor Moon until now.

I first became attracted to digital art when I took multimedia as my focused major in Institut Teknologi Nasional (itenas), Bandung, Indonesia. I am always fascinated by moving objects and always wonder how they are being made.

For a few years, I worked as an art director in a branding consultant studio called The 1984. I’ve learnt more about branding and graphic design there. Moreover, I’ve worked with various clients that required me to be versatile.

I tend to try different mediums because I can get bored quite easily. I have a high level of curiosity in arts & technology as well as traditional mediums like printmaking. I try to be balanced in both the digital and traditional approaches.

As for now, besides working on some commercial projects, I mostly spend my time working on some personal projects and running an art collective named Press Pause Studio. A side project as a reminder to be mindful and to take a pause to appreciate life more. Creating & selling things handmade with love in Indonesia.

I tend to try different mediums because I can get bored quite easily. I have a high level of curiosity in arts & technology as well as traditional mediums like printmaking. I try to be balanced in both the digital and traditional approaches.

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

Yes. Some of my family and most of my friends are in the creative industry. So we would always support each other.

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

I still have so much I’d like to achieve. I’d like to learn more 3D. I’d also like to experience working in a design studio outside of Indonesia. Collaborate with various brands. Create something more for my studio, Press Pause Studio.

I still have so much I’d like to achieve. I’d like to learn more 3D. I’d also like to experience working in a design studio outside of Indonesia. Collaborate with various brands. Create something more for my studio, Press Pause Studio.

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

Toro Y Moi and Yaeji! I really like how their art direction compliments their music. And also, Beams and Braindead. Not a person but I adore the brands!

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

Overcoming creative blocks. I think it’s normal as a person to sometimes feel uninspired especially during this whole pandemic situation.

My grandma, mother and big sister are the strongest and bravest women I’ve ever known. I learnt a lot from them.

How would you describe the women around you?

My grandma, mother and big sister are the strongest and bravest women I’ve ever known. I learnt a lot from them.

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

Actually none. Not that I can recall. I think that’s why I liked to watch Sailor Moon and Card Captor Sakura growing up. I like them being the highlight of the shows (even though they’re fiction haha). Until I went to uni and discovered there’s so many of us females that are trying to make it in the creative industry. I’m glad a lot of female creatives got the recognition they deserve now.

Trust the process. Everyone has their own pace. Keep creating things you’re proud of and share them to the world!

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

Trust the process. Everyone has their own pace. Keep creating things you’re proud of and share them to the world!

What type of music do you like to listen to?

I listen to mostly dream pop. I often play the same playlist on repeat. I also listen to psychedelic rock. I really miss going to concerts! It is one of my favorite activities.

What’s your favorite local food spot?

My favorite food is bakmi (noodles) and nasi uduk (coconut milk rice) but I like noodles the most. I can eat it everyday. Because it’s not that healthy, we usually eat it just on Sundays. I prefer noodles with large size strands. For the nasi uduk, we eat it with fried chicken, fried tofu and sambal. You can try to eat it with your hand for better taste!  🙂 oh and nasi padang is coming in on the 3rd place for me!

Stephy Fung asks: Do you ever feel any imposter syndrome and when?

Once in a while yes. I do feel self-doubt and I feel like I’m never enough/satisfied sometimes. It’s usually when I accept new projects that put me on the edge. I have this habit of taking projects I don’t know how to make or I just know the basics of it. It feels like I’m living on the edge at certain times. It’s like I’m going into the unknown. But alongside, I discover so much more of me and fortunately able to finish them all with great results. I think it’s a way to overcome my self-doubt and absolutely one of the best feelings for me.

Sarula Bao asks: What are your biggest inspirations?

My biggest inspiration was my childhood. I would be so happy getting new crayons when I was a child. It’s the best gift ever. As I grow older, I find inspiration in things that are unfamiliar for me. Like going to someplace new, meeting new people, or trying new software. These activities don’t guarantee me to find inspiration instantly. You can go anywhere and immediately get inspiration but sometimes if you force yourself to seek inspiration you won’t get any. It really depends. Sometimes, you don’t have to look outward of yourself for inspiration, maybe try to look within yourself.

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

Have you ever experienced creative blocks? What would you do to overcome it?

Photos courtesy of Owi Liunic