Meet illustrator from Bangkok and California, Tidawan Thaipinnarong

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Tidawan. I’m a Thai-American illustrator and background artist, mainly working in the animation industry and a bit in children’s books. I spent most of my time after work reading and going out to try some new food.

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

I lived and moved around a lot in California for 10+ years and just got back to Bangkok for 2 years. Bangkok is a humid, lively, and challenging city to live in. I currently live at the outskirts of Bangkok and many people assume that it will not be as busy as the downtown, but it’s quite hectic out here as well. There are still many things I have to adjust to but Bangkok reminded me of LA in so many ways. Both cities have great food, busy traffic, and a lot of activities going on.

There are still many things I have to adjust to but Bangkok reminded me of LA in so many ways. Both cities have great food, busy traffic, and a lot of activities going on.

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

The best would be food and the worst would be the traffic and public transportation.

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

challenging, vibrant, blooming

How did you start your career in art?

I spent a lot of time in high school and college figuring out what exactly I want to do in the future. I’ve been drawing since I was young but never actually knew exactly what path I should take in my art career.  Being in the US gets me to expose so many paths that are possible for me. I was trying out different classes and doing a lot of self-studies until I found my way in an animation career a while after I graduated.

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

They are being fully supportive and I’m really grateful for that.

I hope to continue to grow and explore a lot more in the animation industry, as well as, children’s books and illustration. Hopefully, I can live off by doing my own projects.

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

I hope to continue to grow and explore a lot more in the animation industry, as well as, children’s books and illustration. Hopefully, I can live off by doing my own projects.

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

I jokingly talked to my friends about having our own studio and working on some animation project together. I hope that happens in the future.

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

Burnout and Insecurity. A lot of the time fear actually holds me down from so many opportunities. Burnout is really frustrating because you never know if it’s going to end.

Strong and fearless. Women around me inspired me to be more confident. Insecurity is a huge part of me and they help me get through that a lot.

How would you describe the women around you?

Strong and fearless. Women around me inspired me to be more confident. Insecurity is a huge part of me and they help me get through that a lot.

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

My friends, whom I was a fan of their works even before I actually got to know them. Their works inspired me to keep drawing.

Explore and keep doing what you love. Be kind to others

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

Explore and keep doing what you love. Be kind to others

What type of music do you like to listen to?

I listen to different music depending on my mood. Sometimes R&B, K-pop, Thai pop, or musical stuff.

What’s your favorite local food spot?

It’s hard to pick because there’re so many places that I love, but there’s one place in Little Tokyo that has the best udon and I always eat there everytime I’m in LA.

Felicia Chen asks: If you could choose a different career path, what would it be?

Probably a fiction writer or doing something in marketing

Junissa Bianda asks: What do you do when you are stuck?

I go out to clear my head and do anything non-art related.

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

What city would you want to live in and work as a creative?

Photos courtesy of Tidawan Thaipinnarong