Q&A
Tell us something interesting about yourself:
I'm an avid lover of tea, my cat Momo and stories about witches, fairies and anything fantastical. When I was younger, I'd take a flashlight, crawl under my duvet and pretend I would emerge into a magical world where I'd have amazing adventures.
Current job title:
Freelance Illustrator.
Tell us your favourite medium for reading:
Love physical printed books! But I sometimes read ePub books too (especially comics!).
Tell us your favourite location for reading:
I've always done my best reading just before bed without music, even when I was young it was a great way to get myself into a calm mood, my worries of the day wouldn't matter and it'd just be me and the stories.
How would you describe your identity?
I am Singaporean with Chinese heritage.
Book title:
Funcles.
What inspired your creative process in writing or illustrating your book?
As the book was set in my home city of Singapore, it was easy to be inspired by my surroundings and the everyday hustle and bustle of the people here. I've always been inspired by nature and the tropical plants that are part and parcel of urban living here too. The bright, vibrant colours of public housing flats and community spaces also influenced my art style for this book as I wanted to capture the many dynamic communities we have here.
Favourite character or moment from the book – and why?
My favourite moment from the book is when the main character recalls fond memories of his Funcles and realises that family can mean more than blood relation.
What themes or messages does your book raise?
Chosen family, the power of community, and managing expectations/disappointment for children.
How would you describe your artistic or writing style in three words?
Colourful, warm, whimsical.
What aspect of the story did you most connect with, and how did it shape your illustrations?
I definitely connected to its setting and it's themes, as it was something I could understand and appreciate immediately. The concept of non-blood related 'uncles and aunties' is not purely a Singaporean experience but having grown up within this culture, it was easy see myself in the main character's shoes. The illustrations and character designs all flowed smoothly as I could picture exactly what situations they were in, and it was fun to include local details that might otherwise be missed.
Materials and techniques used for this book’s illustrations:
Procreate on iPad.
Favourite illustration – and why?
The two spreads of the kids in school were my favourite as I loved depicting the different expressions, personalities and poses of each student!
