We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Sim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always wanted to be an artist since I was a kid. Even at the tender age of 3, I found it impossible to part with a pencil. I persistently pleaded with my parents to enroll me in art classes and eagerly awaited each new sketchbook. This unwavering desire for artistic expression has remained a constant throughout my life. At 17, instead of choosing among various colleges and a polytechnic where I had already been accepted, I followed my heart to pursue art education in animation. My passion has only grown stronger since then, leading me to where I am today — still deeply immersed in the creative industry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Samantha Germaine Sim, and I recently turned 31. Currently, I serve as an Art Director at Mighty Jaxx International, a global network of pop culture brands and companies based in Singapore, specializing in art toy design. My journey in the creative industry has been diverse, spanning various roles and projects. From teaching animation at Lasalle College of the Arts Singapore, a leading arts institution in Singapore renowned for fostering creativity and innovation in the fields of fine arts, design, media, and performing arts, to creating assets for children’s games and UI/UX design, and even venturing into storyboarding and concept design for kids’ shows, I’ve explored many facets of creativity. My path into this industry began with my studies at the same Lasalle College of the Arts Singapore, where I pursued a degree in 2D animation. This experience prepared me for the demands of the creative field, from managing tight deadlines to effectively communicating with clients and partners.

In this industry, challenges abound, from navigating client negotiations to coping with unrealistic deadlines and managing an online presence in the ever-changing landscape of social media algorithms. However, I’ve learned to persevere, maintain humility, and continuously improve as an artist. While talent and skill are important, I believe that one’s outlook on life and ability to adapt are equally crucial in this field.

I take pride in my ability to acquire new skills, whether through my work at Mighty Jaxx or as a content creator myself. Beyond my professional pursuits, I enjoy engaging with my followers on Instagram to share insights into my creative process and self expression. Sharing my passion for art has given me a great opportunity to cultivate a community of over 100k followers, a journey that has been incredibly rewarding and heartwarming!

Learning the art of toy making and honing my painting skills have been particularly rewarding experiences. I am grateful to my colleagues, peers, and even my late cat, who has been a great source of inspiration for my creative journey. Witnessing the growth of fellow artists and their willingness to learn and evolve further motivates me in my own creative pursuits.

Ultimately, I am proud to be part of the creative industry, thanks to the unwavering support of my parents and the belief in the path I have chosen. As I continue to navigate my own growth in this lifelong journey, I remain committed to sharing my knowledge and experiences with aspiring artists, ensuring that the legacy of creativity is passed down to future generations.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I often share this advice with my juniors and students during master classes: “Never be too attached to your work.” It’s important to unlearn the mentality of being overly proud of your work and sticking to it at all costs, even when improvements are necessary. Sometimes, letting go and embracing change can lead to better growth and development as an artist. While it’s essential to take pride in your work as a creative, it’s equally important not to become too attached to it. Each piece of work may feel like a creation from your own mind and hands, but it’s essential to maintain a healthy detachment. (moved sentence up for better flow)

I first learned this valuable lesson from an incredible mentor when I landed my first creative job, and I am deeply grateful to him for it.

Whether in school, for personal projects, or in the industry, being proud of your work shouldn’t prevent you from receiving feedback, constructive critiques, or making necessary changes. It’s crucial to strike a balance between defending your work and being open to feedback and adapting to meet different stakeholder expectations.

In my earlier years as an artist, I used to fiercely defend my work and react negatively to suggestions for improvement. However, I’ve since learned that being too attached to a particular idea can hinder growth. Sometimes, it’s necessary to let go of an idea or seek assistance from teammates to achieve the best outcome.

Through embracing this mindset, I’ve become a better artist, more open to criticism, feedback, and collaboration. It has expanded my horizons and enabled me to continually learn and evolve in my craft.

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

I strongly believe in the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” and that talent knows no boundaries, whether it originates from Singapore or elsewhere in the world. I’ve had the privilege of encountering numerous homegrown talents in Singapore as well as creative talents from around the world, whose creativity and skill are truly remarkable. Yet, it’s unfortunate to note the misconception in our society that Singaporean art is of lesser quality. I am both flattered and astonished when people express surprise at the quality of Singaporean art, as if it’s a rarity. I hope for a more open-minded approach, where individuals can appreciate art for what it truly is, irrespective of its origin—whether it’s illustrations, fine art, fashion, or music. There is an abundance of talented individuals waiting to be discovered and celebrated, deserving of recognition and support.

I also advocate for greater visibility and recognition of local creators, not just during art festivals but also during ordinary times. Many talented creators remain unseen and overlooked, and it’s important to provide them with platforms to showcase their work and talents.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mightyjaxx.com
• Instagram: @mightyjaxx, @violet1202 (personal account)
• Facebook: @mightyjaxxtoys
• Linkedin: @mightyjaxx
• Twitter: @mightyjaxx
• Youtube: @mightyjaxx