This ongoing feature is about shining the light on the artists behind our posters, inspiring chats about the behind-the-scenes of design and how the work gets done. The similar and different experiences of others within our vibrant community - there’s just so much we can learn from each other! 

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Today’s featured poster artist is a special one as it’s our first one! We chat with the lovely Nat Andrea, who many of our readers would recognize from our Malaysia Day 2020 poster illustration!  

What do you do and why do you create for a living?

I’m a designer and visual artist. Creating was a favourite pastime of mine, and the risky decision to turn it into a career was one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made thus far!

Tell us more about your artistic practice. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

I studied design and communication, so I have a lot to owe my family who were supportive of my choices. Painting and murals were more of a self-taught addition to my graphic design work.

What was your inspiration behind the beautiful artwork created for our Malaysia Day poster?

As a nod to our heritage and Malaysia in the 60s, I drew inspiration from the design of old shopfronts, batik florals, and muted tones of gently sun-faded paint.

How do you find balance and make it all fit in one day? There must be a lot of discipline involved.

I’m a planner by nature, so what works for me is purposefully scheduling downtime and sticking to it like any other work appointment, whether it be time to meditate, or coffee with a friend. Thankfully my work allows for a flexible schedule, so all it takes is healthy drive and regular recharging.

We go through so many struggles on a day-to-day basis. Is there one big challenge that you had to face and and overcome recently?

Adjusting to the one thing that affected all of us this year! Changes in structure and routine during the height of MCO were tough, but staying adaptable in these times is our best bet.

Best advice you’ve ever received that you can share with us all?

That half of the work is done just by showing up :-)

You can view more of her work over at her Instagram @natandrea

Images taken from @natandrea

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This ongoing feature is about shining the light on the artists behind our posters, inspiring chats about the behind-the-scenes of design and how the work gets done. The similar and different experiences of others within our vibrant community - there’s just so much we can learn from each other!