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2026: Thoughts About Style
I’ve been asked a lot lately about my illustration style; whether it is natural or intentional. And my answer is always both. To me, the style I’m doing is simply an approach to the story. The style is my response to solve the problems visually, and a vessel to deliver the message I’d like to say. And most of the time, they’re intangible, heavy with emotions. And for this reason, there’s a part that it needs a lot of intention cos nature alone have its own uncertainty, if not wild.
Illustration is like a movie, a dance, and other art forms. It needs direction, choreography, structure, concept, and most importantly, a context. I can say my style is also a context to make the story understandable, to give it a ground with the help of various different elements and values. And for the latter, I realize that my style will certainly go through a series of shift, as my values in life are also shifting.
The style is never a goal to me. It’s always a process. And while writing this note, I’m in a process of seeking and exploring freedom and imperfection in it, to make it speak louder for the story instead of my ego and standards. I realize my style is an outcome of its marriage with the story, and every time it happens, my style is never truly mine.
Artrepreneur — Open Call Portfolio Review 2023
October 27, 2023
I’m very grateful to get the opportunity of having my portfolio reviewed by Matt Rota from School of Visual Arts (SVA), NYC. I got this chance through an Open Call held by Artrepreneur last month.
“Susie’s work is a good example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Her works succeeds on a technical level, she can paint well, has a powerful sense of color, and a strong compositional sense. Each of these elements, understated in its own right, interplay to build a far more intense and sophisticated image.“
I have to say this is my first time of getting a comprehensive feedback on my body of works, from a professional and an educator altogether. I also asked Matt a lot of questions I had in mind during the review, especially about pursuing further study, possibilities of exploring different media or format, my areas of strength//weakness, and some of his favourites. On the other hand, I’m also a big fan of his evoking, intense, artistic line work, a technique I wish I can try to explore in the future.
Here are some works I submitted for the Open Call.
Bal Harbour Shops Creative Challenge – Finalist
August 30, 2023
Thrilled to have to piece get into among 10 finalists of Bal Harbour Shops Creative Challenge 2023. This piece will get featured in Fall/Winter of Bal Harbour Magazine. Thank you to the judges; Victoria Tentler-Krylov and Jenny Kroik, and the editorial team!
Rain Man Got a Merit in 3×3 Illustration Professional Show No. 20
July 21, 2023
Rain Man was awarded Merit in 3×3 Illustration Professional Show No. 20. The piece was previously shortlisted in CA Illustration 2023. Thank you to the judges and congratulations to all winners!
Communication Arts March/April 2023 — Interactive Annual 29
February 25, 2023
Some of my works were selected to appear in Communication Arts (CA) March/April 2023: Interactive Annual 29, under section FRESH. Thank you to Michael Coyne and the Team for this opportunity.
Collaboration With MOTIVA
November 24, 2022
The Garden of Dark & Light
When I saw MOTIVA, I was instantly awakened to my longtime interest in graphic design and writing. While illustration emphasizes the power of storytelling without words, MOTIVA let me imagine the power of words in illustration. I became even more interested when I learnt that MOTIVA works with quotes, which I quickly found resonate with the expression of thoughts and feelings.
My MOTIVA piece is a portrayal of an actor winning an award for a role, in a stylized version of Oscar statue. While the victory looks all shiny and is full of spotlight, it may also feel dark and lonely. This piece is simply to visualize a space and a moment for his contemplation and privacy, as well as the celebration. Now it is even better, MOTIVA has given this piece the added value it needs, a voice for this piece to speak its story.
Visit MOTIVA for more information & purchase.
Creative Quarterly 60
October 30, 2020
My inspiration image was chosen as the cover for Creative Quarterly 60. This opportunity came after my personal piece called Long Distance Relationship aka LDR won a place under Professional Illustration category. Thank you to the judges and congratulation to all winners.
