Meet Malaysian illustrator and graphic designer, Shu Yee.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

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

Penang is a multicultural city known for famous street food and heritage sites, weather is quite hot and humid. I think Penang is still a growing city in every aspect, quite moderate-paced compare to big cities.

I have also been in Australia for 2 years, lived in various suburbs in Melbourne and Victoria state. It is busy in the city center, everything is constantly moving without a pause, there are endless things to discover, mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety, while Shepparton is a more peaceful and laid-back place.

Bumped into a love-hate relationship with animation.

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

Both cities have great food! (Melbourne and Penang) and also another best thing in Melbourne is an art bookshop I used to go to. I usually spend 1-2 hours over there browsing through books and zines.

Worst would be sleepless winter night with freezing toes in Australia and the public transportation in Penang.

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

How did you start your career in art?

When I found that words are not enough for me to fully articulate and express the ideas and thoughts in my mind, art/ illustration is like some kind of therapy to me, but then I realized it can do more than just that.

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

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

To keep exploring, keep learning, create fun and beautiful things that bring value and are meaningful at the same time, and to be better than the old me.

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

How would you describe the women around you?

They are hard-working. Even when in struggle or foggy periods of time, they still give each other encouragement and support which I think is super important in growing up, and it is fun to be with them!

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

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

Do the work and have courage.

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

Photos courtesy of Shu Yee.