Meet artist and illustrator from Sabah, Rachel Ho.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a visual development artist and illustrator for animated films. I love the colour pink but ironically I don’t wear it on me. I love to watch western animated films which translates that my drawings are heavily influenced by it. 

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

I used to live in a small town in Malaysia called Sabah, the people there are very chill and relaxed, it is also known as the city of seafood and nature! 

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

I personally feel the city I’m living in is very contrast with my hometown. Everything is quite fast-paced. The people I know do at least 2 jobs for a living, both good and bad.

I personally feel the city I’m living in is very contrast with my hometown.

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

unique, multitask, humble 

How did you start your career in art?

I started working for my lecturer who taught me illustration when I was studying. He owns a company outside of college and that’s how I started my first art-related job. 

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

At first not, but now they support me unconditionally after seeing some achievements!  

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

Hoping that I can draw more and make my own art book for now! 

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

Hardest question ever! There’re so many artists I adore and want to collaborate out there, it’d be a dream if I could collab with Eastwood Wong and Heikala.

How would you describe the women around you?

Charismatic, workaholic, optimistic. 

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

The first local female artist I looked up to was KidChan. 

I do have friends sharing their experience that male employees sometimes have a more harsh critique on work compared to female employees, they might have to work a little extra hard just to impress the director/employer.

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

From my side everything seems to be pretty fair at the places I work, however, I do have friends sharing their experience that male employees sometimes have a more harsh critique on work compared to female employees, they might have to work a little extra hard just to impress the director/employer.

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

Be daring, don’t be afraid to put a voice out there and work smart! 

Photos courtesy of Rachel Ho.