Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Duanghathai Sotthisaowaphak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Duanghathai, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I believe my parents did many things right in raising me. One of the most important things they did was to support and encourage my passions and dreams. Growing up in Thailand, pursuing a career as an artist was not easy, as the field was often undervalued, and there was a lack of understanding about it. However, my parents never discouraged me. They allowed me to be myself and to love what I love. I have three siblings, and each of us is quite different in terms of personality, interests, and hobbies. As kids, we used to find it amusing how diverse we were. However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that it was likely because our parents allowed us to be ourselves and nurtured our individuality. They encouraged all three of us to pursue our own paths. This support has been instrumental in my journey as an artist. It’s a big reason why I’ve been able to stay on this path and pursue my passion. While the world may be full of talented individuals and obstacles, knowing that I have a place to call home and a family who believes in me has given me the confidence to take risks and explore my potential to the fullest.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Ferrari, a name I got from my dad’s deep love for cars. Both of my siblings also have car-inspired names, as our family enjoys being unique in every way possible.

I have had a passion for drawing since I was a child. However, the most challenging time for me was during my high school years when I had to make the decision whether to pursue a university education in art (a significant commitment, especially in my home country, where it’s expected to pursue higher education until a bachelor’s degree). Studying abroad was not a straightforward path either.

In my current role, I am involved in designing concepts or assets for games at HumaNature Studios, holding the position of Lead Artist. I also take on illustration work for various brand products. What I truly enjoy about my work is the opportunity to explore a wide range of creative expressions. It’s both fun and challenging.

I believe my strength lies in my ability to convey happiness and a sense of freshness through my artwork. Each creator has a unique way of telling their story through visuals, and I think I excel at capturing genuine and casual emotions. One of my proudest recent accomplishments is a series of illustrations for a mobile phone case brand. The products haven’t been released yet, but it’s something I’ve been eager to do for a long time. So excited to share them with everyone soon!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the privilege of discovering beauty in things that others may not immediately notice. It’s finding beauty in the small moments, in the mundane aspects of life, in things that may not be visible to the naked eye, and even during less joyful times. I feel appreciative of the life and the people around me I have because of my love for art. It has made me more observant. Whether it’s observing the changing and blossoming of flowers and trees with the seasons, the taste of food becoming more delicious, or the beauty of music becoming more profound, it all comes from my ability to observe as an artist. Drawing has heightened my awareness of the world around me.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had known earlier in my creative journey that being an artist doesn’t mean I have to have a unique and unchanging style that sets me apart from everyone else. What I’ve learned is that it’s okay to explore and discover who I am as an artist. It’s about finding out what subject matters I enjoy drawing, what stories I want to tell, what color palettes resonate with me, and what tools and techniques work best for me. And it’s totally fine if you want to try something new, even if you’ve never done it before or think you might not like it. It’s all part of the journey.

I used to worry a lot because I didn’t have a clearly defined and unique style like many other artists seemed to have. My work appeared to shift and adapt depending on my mood and the projects I was working on. I would adjust my style to fit the project and the client’s brief, and I used to think that wasn’t a good thing. I thought I wasn’t skilled enough.

Now, I’ve overcome those feelings. I’ve learned that I can admire and appreciate the work of other artists while also valuing my own creative process. I’ve come to embrace the fact that my style is versatile and adaptable. It’s a reflection of my ability to think creatively and adapt to different projects. I’ve found a lot of freedom in this realization, and I’ve learned to love the way I enjoy creating art. People who appreciate my work often tell me that it’s unique. I’ve come to understand that style is about how you think and express yourself, and it’s something deeply personal.

So, my advice to fellow artists is to embrace the journey of self-discovery and enjoy the process of creating art in your own way. Your style is unique because it’s a reflection of who you are as an artist, and that’s something truly special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ferrariillust.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferrari.illust/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrarids/