Meet illustrator from Taiwan, Sammi.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am an illustrator based in Taiwan. I was born in Taiwan and grew up in Taichung city. Taiwan is a lovely island which has lots of energies and warmth. I guess that s why I always have a passion to take different challenges.

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

I’m living Taichung city right now. It’s a city that always has sunshine and people lives here are very cordial! Most of the Taiwanese people are very friendly too.

I’m living Taichung city right now. It’s a city that always has sunshine and people lives here are very cordial!

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

The best thing here is that there is always sunshine.

The worst thing I think is that there are not many art/creative exhibitions here, compared to north Taiwan, there are not really as many.

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

Warm, cordial, and peaceful.

How did you start your career in art?

I graduated in visual design. Most of my classes are about design, but in my last 2 years in school, I recognized that I love illustration more than design. From that moment on, I felt confused and anxious. Whenever I would have negative emotions and tensions I used drawing to relax. I kept this habit day by day until finally, I took part in my first exhibition for student artists. I started my illustration life ever since I took part in my first exhibition. It really gave me more confidence to do my works! It was a very amazing experience for me!

Whenever I would have negative emotions and tensions I used drawing to relax. I kept this habit day by day until finally, I took part in my first exhibition for student artists.

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

My family really supported me a lot. They also influenced me so much. Whenever I feel confused about how to balance reality and my dreams, they always tell me to keep going! Although they were not so sure about my occupation at the beginning, it is without a doubt that they are my best supporters!

Also, I’m very lucky to meet my agency. My agent really helped me a lot from 2 years ago until now. I always say I’m a lucky person!

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

I hope I could be more independent and mature to do my work and every project. I am looking forward for my work to be more narrative-based and have a more philosophical element!

I am looking forward for my work to be more narrative-based and have a more philosophical element!

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

I couldn’t choose which person I want to collaborate with because I look forward to getting commissions with different types of projects! Some of the types of collaborations I hope I could try would be a motion video for a song, a mural in an art festival, or making an album cover.

How would you describe the women around you?

Most of the women I know are independent, strong but also tender.

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

It seems I don’t have any because when I was in school the “illustration” industry was just starting to flourish in my country.

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

I didn’t really feel any challenging aspects of being a female in my industry. I guess in the creative field most people respect equality with each other. Also, I feel lucky to be able to work in this kind of industry.

Be honest with your work as much as you can.

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

I’m not sure I have enough qualifications to give others advice because I am still learning about creation and illustration right now. I could only share from my experience: be honest with your work as much as you can.

Photos courtesy of Hsian Hsia.