Meet Singaporean artist, Sarah Thursday.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Sarah, and I’ve been running an independent artist label named Sarah Thursday for close to 7 years. I enjoy the colour black, alternative and rock music is my jam, and I love meeting people!

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

I live in Singapore. We’re also known as the Little Red Dot, because we’re the world’s smallest country. I’m proud and blessed to be born here. We’re summer all year round and the island is filled with lots of greenery! We have lots of high-rise buildings here due to our dense population and the food here is amazing!!!

I’m proud and blessed to be born here.

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

Best – We have a great education and healthcare system, and would think that the government treats us well. Singaporeans grow up bilingual and I’m thankful I know both English and Mandarin as that has been helpful in growing a business, and managing social media.

Fun fact: We have no natural disasters here!

Worst – Creatives don’t get recognition very easily. Our society here is very education-driven and not very art-centric. It is very difficult for artists to survive in our fast-paced society with a very high cost of living. Rent in Singapore is extremely high too, so it’s also hard for creatives to rent a studio where they can work at. Having a co-working studio has been a dream of mine for many years and it’s not easy to rent a space or to even find fellow creatives with the budget to share a space.

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

Tough. Underrated. Inspiring.

How did you start your career in art?

I graduated from Temasek Design School in 2013. I took a diploma in Visual Communications and majored in illustrations.

A huge catalyst in starting my label was when I felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction when I personally felt unfairly graded for my Final Year Project. It was a project named “The Art Senses” where I wanted to reach out to the local public to appreciate art more in their daily lives. This sparked something in me to actually carry out this project in real life. After graduation, I started an Instagram and Facebook page selling “The Art Senses” prints and stickers to the public. With 200 dollars in my bank, I launched my label Sarah Thursday, on Halloween 2013, and slowly grew from there.

With 200 dollars in my bank, I launched my label Sarah Thursday, on Halloween 2013, and slowly grew from there.

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

Extremely! My parents have always given me the freedom to pursue my passion and my friends have always been the most supportive. I started drawing at the age of 6, and have always rooted my identity in the arts and illustration. Throughout the years of running an art label, I’ve met so many more artist friends and we keep inspiring each other to keep going!

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

I definitely wish to expand on my merchandise line into more custom apparels and make cooler stuff for my supporters!

I also would love to host exhibitions overseas and travel to booth at more overseas conventions!

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

That’s a tough question! My favourite artists are Lauren Tsai, and Zeen Chin so..

How would you describe the women around you?

My mother is my rock. She is extremely independent, patient, strong, creative, and has an amazing set of principles. She was an artist and prides herself on being meticulous.

My best friend of 12 years, Jasmine, is also a huge influence in my life. She is also independent and strong, with great wits and a quick logical solution for everything. While she may not be in the creative field, she is the biggest support in my life.

As for the other women around me, I gravitate towards women who inspire me creatively, and to women who work hard to pursue their own passions. They drive me to keep improving and we help each other out in different areas. I love my friends dearly as they always have my back and will give the best encouragement!

I gravitate towards women who inspire me creatively, and to women who work hard to pursue their own passions. They drive me to keep improving and we help each other out in different areas.

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

I can’t recall any. It’s difficult to survive as an independent creative here, especially in the era when social media wasn’t a thing. In my specific field, I would say I have been one of the pioneers in starting an independent art label in Singapore.. Sarah Thursday was never planned, or inspired from when I was younger. I never dreamt of running a business. I just enjoyed manga and anime a lot, and drawing and creating!

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

I wouldn’t say so at all! In fact, most of the people I know in my industry now are females. Majority of my creative friends are also females. We have a huge following of supporters who are, of course, females too! Girl power, am I right?!

I think being female and being able to relate and cater to the interest of other females is a beautiful thing! We often chat on social media, uplift each other, and meet at anime conventions! We hug it out, we go mad about fandoms and we just share so much common interest and joy!

As for when it comes to the creative work itself, I have one rule: If I think I would never get bored looking at “this piece”, then it’s good enough to launch.

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

Lots! But most of all, just start. Don’t fear and think of “what if”s, and never ever compare yourself to others. Make sure you stick to your own unique style and craft a unique identity true to yourself. That way, you’ll never lose yourself!

As for when it comes to the creative work itself, I have one rule: If I think I would never get bored looking at “this piece”, then it’s good enough to launch.

Photos courtesy of Sarah Thursday