Meet Taiwanese artist and illustrator, Tonn Hsu.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Tonn, an artist from Taiwan. I am passionate about travel, drawing, sculpture and story writing.

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

I live in a place near the northern sea of Taiwan right now. A few years ago my family and I moved to this little town called Tamsui. Tamsui is kind of a suburban district. It takes a bit of time to go downtown but it has great landscapes of the mountain and sea. It’s a place where tourists like to come.

Living in Tamsui is very relaxing, not like crowded cities I used to live in. And I realized that being relaxed is very helpful for inspiration, which is an important thing for creators.

I realized that being relaxed is very helpful for inspiration, which is an important thing for creators.

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

Well, I always say that Tamsui is a very good place for living but not so convenient for its transportation. I think this is one disadvantage.

The good thing about living here is that my home is close to the beach. For only a ten-minute bike, I can reach the sea.

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

Hard. Challenging. Delighting.

How did you start your career in art?

After graduation, I became an artist’s assistant. At that time, I didn’t have any further plans for my career. After a few years of fooling around, an unexpected matter happened to me. I had two heart surgeries that year, it was something I never thought of. Everything seemed so disordered at once. During the second time that I was pushed into the operating room, a thought flashed through my mind. I realized that I’ve wasted so much time on meaningless things, I can NOT be like this anymore! So then, I started thinking about how to run my own fan page and stuff while I was still on the operating table.

I started drawing and posted my artworks on social media after I left the hospital and the result of attracting followers turned out higher than what I expected. Some people gave me feedbacks saying my works really touched them, and this made me feel what I am doing is something meaningful.

During the second time that I was pushed into the operating room, a thought flashed through my mind. I realized that I’ve wasted so much time on meaningless things, I can NOT be like this anymore!

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

I can say that I’m a very lucky person on this part. My family and friends always support my decisions, especially my family, for giving me encouragement all along this way.

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

Well, I would really like to hold some more exhibitions in the future. Hopefully, it can work out step by step and make it worldwide. I want more people to see my works.

I want more people to see my works.

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

Actually, I never thought of collaborating with any famous people or companies. If there are opportunities to collaborate with others, I really wish it can be with my friends that are still in the field of art.

How would you describe the women around you?

Independent. Brave. Outstanding.

Independent. Brave. Outstanding.

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

Yes, there is a female artist I admire a lot, she is called Yangzi Dong(董陽孜). She is famous for calligraphy art. The thing I like about her so much is the way she learns new things and creates art pieces. You can actually see the spirit in those artworks.

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

Sure there are but gender discrimination doesn’t bother me that much because having a career in the field of art, EVERYTHING is not easy.

Trust yourself that you can make your own way out

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

Trust yourself that you can make your own way out, don’t just think in your head. Express yourself with your own characteristic. Be confident. Always learn more.

Photos courtesy of Tonn Hsu.