Embellished

As an illustrator, what inspires your work?
A mix of everyday life and the internet for sure. I’m really inspired by Hollywood pop culture, for example.

What have you been working on this year?
My life right now is consumed with decorating and cleaning as my girlfriend and I just moved into a new studio.

Amidst the move, I’m still trying to find time for my illustration work and creating new things for my brand, SADSHRIMPS; I’ve had moments where I get so caught up by everything that I end up not resting enough, so I want to be more kind to myself in this year of transition.

You actually caught me on a great day because it’s my self-care day!

How are you planning to decorate the studio?
My goal is for the studio to be a big open space where I can showcase my art, bits I’ve been curating, and generally things I like to surround myself with. A lot of what I create is intertwined with the way I feel, so it’ll be nice to have a place that ties everything I love together. Hopefully it’ll reach a stage whereby I can invite people over to share it with.

I’m still waiting for furniture to arrive, but at the same time, I don’t want to fill up the space too quickly. I want to be able to collect pieces slowly and intentionally as and when I travel and thrift. That said, the key pieces are already in, so I’m beginning to feel more settled.

When you do get pockets of free time, what do you like to do?
Ugh, I think hobbies are overrated—the best days are ones where I don’t have to do anything at all. I count myself lucky to be doing what I love for a living, and in this economy, more people are capitalising on their hobbies anyway, so what do we do when we’re not working? Rest lah! (laughs)

Something many of us are wondering: when will you be selling earrings again?
Oh my goodness, that’s such a frequently asked question! I’m a perfectionist down to the packaging, so it’s been taking a while. But don’t worry, I already have some earrings done so they’ll be ready for sale once I get the packaging sorted.

What’s a new skill you’d like to pickup?
I’d love to learn ice skating one day, like for real! Don’t you think it’s super cool? It’s an expensive sport, so growing up, only the rich kids got to do it. When I have more free time and disposable income, I’d definitely sign up for ice skating classes.