We were lucky to catch up with Ivy Tsai recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ivy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2022, I embarked on my freelance journey and simultaneously resigned from my full-time position as an illustrator. I took this risk because I believe I can reach a broader spectrum of clients across various industries and countries. My aim is to expand my horizons and collaborate with diverse individuals, rather than being confined to a regular job with set hours.

Ivy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Ivy Tsai, a freelance illustrator from Taichung, Taiwan, with five years of experience. Originally from a broadcasting background, I’ve had a passion for drawing since I was 7. Self-taught, I’ve continuously honed my skills, gaining insights into art and design while working in a Malaysian agency. In 2023, I officially started my freelance journey.

I specialize in creating children’s illustrations and capturing street photography. My work reflects my journey of exploration and imagination, aiming to inspire curiosity and positivity in my audience. Some pieces also convey messages of gratitude and self-acceptance. Recently, I have begun experimenting with different materials in my artwork, such as acrylic painting and ceramic art.

As a freelance illustrator, I’ve had the opportunity to explore various art styles, mediums, and themes. Highlights include being featured in Mélanie Johnsson’s Winter Pattern Paper 2022 and speaking at INTI International University & Colleges. I also participated in the Kuala Lumpur Illustration Fair 2023 with my team GalaSIY, showcasing our distinct styles. Currently, I’m preparing for the Kuala Illustration Fair in May 2024.

What sets me apart is my experience of living and working abroad, which has broadened my perspective and influenced my artwork and outlook on life.

My services include editorial illustration and children’s book illustration. I am also interested in packaging design and branding design and graphic design. I am seeking opportunities to collaborate with various industries. If you are interested in my artwork, please feel free to drop me a message. I’m look forward to hearing from you.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The reason I’m still in this industry is because I want to continue doing what I truly love. Art has the power to bring joy and happiness to audiences, and sometimes it can even heal your inner self through its expression. I’m deeply passionate about creating artwork that not only supports people when they need it but also helps them embrace themselves when they feel alone or down. Despite facing challenges and setbacks along the way, my dedication to spreading positivity and comfort through art has kept me resilient and motivated to keep going.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, there are several actions that society can take to best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem: invest in the arts by allocating funding and resources, promote arts education in schools and communities, ensure access to spaces and resources, recognize and appreciate the value of art, implement supportive policies and regulations, foster engagement and collaboration, and embrace cultural diversity and inclusion. These actions aim to create an environment where artists thrive, enrich culture, and drive positive social change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jiil850.wixsite.com/ivytsaiillustration
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivytsaiillustration/