Meet graphic designer and illustrator from Bangkok, Sirada Suepaisal

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m currently a 4th-year student majoring in graphic design. I also am a freelance graphic designer/Illustrator. My main job is in editorial design. Recently though, I’m trying to experiment with print design. My works can be described as sweet and tender. Besides all that, I also do watercolour, digital painting and comic strips as a hobby.

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

I was born and brought up in Bangkok, the city of cultural diversity. Geographically, It’s quite small. Despite its size; however, it’s a very crowded place. For example, I always bump into some of my friends any time I went out, but maybe that can be attributed to the lack of places of activities though. Besides shopping malls and complexes, there are not many places for you to do anything. There are only a handful of parks and nature areas, which are also packed. Recreation places are expensive. Tourist places are few and… touristy. Honestly, I prefer to stay at home or going out to a local coffee shop.

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

I know it’s a cliché answer, but foods really are the best here. You can find food from every part of the world here, I really mean it. Name one country and I assure that you can find its food here, and they are all deliciously made too!

Commuting is the worst however, some Thais waste 3-4 hours every day on traffic alone. That’s nearly a whole day per week!

P.S. Public transport doesn’t really work here.

I know it’s a cliché answer, but foods really are the best here

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

Multicultural, constrained, repetitive

How did you start your career in art?

I grew up with Japanese manga, they are my art teachers! I taught myself how to draw by imitating them. I spent most of my childhood drawing and reading, trying to create my own imaginary world. I developed an interest in graphic design when I was in high school. I had worked at a café-bookstore hybrid, which gave me opportunities to meet many writers, designers and other people in creative careers. I got my first book design commission from a visiting customer.

Now I study graphic design in a bachelor’s degree program. I got to experiment on many unusual things with class assignments, which refined my skills even more.

I grew up with Japanese manga, they are my art teachers!

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

They are very supportive! Everyone around me: family, friends, teachers, and people that I respected. They provided both financial support and opportunities, I’m really grateful for that.

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

Whatever will be, will be. The future is uncertain, my goals are still changing. Although, I’m perfectly fine with myself for now. I work happily, have time for hobbies, achieve financial freedom and help people in trouble. I’m still trying to constantly improve myself though!

The future is uncertain, my goals are still changing.

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

Japanese manga artist Riyoka Ikeda. She’s author of The Rose of Versailles.

How would you describe the women around you?

They are unique, and they’re very proud of themselves.

They are unique, and they’re very proud of themselves.

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

Kanoknuch Sillapawisawakul. She’s a graphic designer. I’m in love with her work. I admire her ambitions and her optimistic attitude.

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

No, there aren’t. At least in this country. I’m not sure how it is in the past but these days people in the field do not judge each other by their gender.

Believe in what you are doing and love your work.

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

Believe in what you are doing and love your work. Love is an important thing, it gives us strength to keep going forward. If you’re bored, try doing different things sometimes. Do not stop learning! Also, be kind and lend your hand to those in need.

Photos courtesy of Sirada Suepaisal