Her whimsical, often ethereal, illustrations have become familiar to those who know her work, but boring they are not. From peonies to macarons, Arlene Sy’s works are full of beauty and life. The full-time illustrator, visual artist, and paper goods designer, who confesses to having a weakness for pretty paper goods, books, and magazines, loved to draw as a child—a fact that did not change even when she was already five years deep into corporate life.

So strong was her love for art that, despite not having a formal art education, she left her stable job to pursue her craft full-time. “I had to try, or regret it for the rest of my life,” she says.

Get to know Arlene more through our interview below:

Female Network (FN): Can you share with us how a normal day for you goes like?

Arlene Sy (AS): Every day is never the same. You might probably find me working on a magazine illustration, a privately commissioned painting, a brand-related project, or some customized stationery. It's exciting because you can’t predict what the next day might look like, but I always put a semblance of order, otherwise I lose my focus. I try to get up early, go through my email and social accounts, and then try to finish as much client work as possible until late afternoon. If I have enough free time in the evenings, I work on updating my blog and website, or do something fun like read, catch up with friends, or make purely personal work. If I’m working on a project that requires a lot of drawing or painting, I work from home; otherwise I bring my laptop or sketchbook with me to a favorite coffee shop (where I also meet clients from time to time). I appreciate a change of scenery when I do less demanding work. It helps my mind wander and stumble upon new ideas (plus, with people around me, I get to pretend I have officemates!).

FN: Who are your creative heroes?

AS: I have a long list of people from various fields, but two of my biggest influences are illustrators David Downton (foreign) and Robert Alejandro (local). They’re masters in their craft, who are able to use the brush to create such gorgeous artwork. I’m most inspired by people who are so good in their field, their work just naturally tells a story about who they are and their place in the world.

FN: Where do you get inspiration?

AS: Apart from the work of my favorite artists, I get inspired by small things and little joys around me. I’m a very introspective person, so even the simplest moments can trigger a long thought process. Nature and floral themes have been a big part of my work as of late. I like exploring contrasts and contradictions, combining the old with the modern, the ethereal with earthly, the traditional with digital. I’m also very much drawn to French/Parisian culture, feminine themes, fashion trends, vintage memorabilia, and interior design.

FN: What are your future plans?

AS: I’m working to make a lot of plans a reality this year, not least are getting a serious art space of my own and producing a retail line of stationery and prints. I tried teaching for the first time last year when I held an art workshop, and I intend to do more. Hopefully, I can help inspire younger people to do art. In the far future, it would be a dream to set up some sort of art studio with likeminded people, or even a shop where I can combine my passion for art with good food.

FN: In general, what were the challenges that you ran into in the creative industry? Are there particular challenges that you encountered because you’re a woman? How did you rise above them?

AS: The challenges I’ve faced were never about me being a woman. The greatest I’ve had to overcome (and still struggle with) was finding my own creative voice and visual style. In my chosen field, there’s so much talent, it can be easy to lose yourself. I’ve found that the only solution to this is (boring as it sounds) to just keep on making more and more work. Doing something new at least once a day really sharpens how you see the world—how you tell your story—and it will show up in your work one day. I don’t think it’ll ever be the perfect picture of yourself that you hope to be, but at least you’re closer to it than you were the day before, the day before that, and the day before that.

In the beginning, it was also challenging trying to explain what I do. A lot of people have think that artists have it easy because they are “always inspired” and what they do just comes naturally to them. (While it’s true that being inspired is ideal, there’s actually lots of work involved; it can take years to develop a distinct style, and there are days when you have no choice but to plow through deadlines despite waves of insecurity). I’m glad this mindset is changing. Local creatives are getting recognized and paid their worth, more people now want to get into design and the arts, and many Filipinos now better understand and appreciate the creative process.

FN: What advice can you give to aspiring girls who want to work in the creative industry?

AS: It's never a better time to get into the creative industry. We’re now all connected thanks to the Internet and social networks, so getting word out about what you can do has never been easier—whether you’re an artist, designer, writer, musician, the list goes on. I think what matters most in this age is having the courage to start something and be willing to commit to it. To put in the hard work, to keep moving, and never stop learning. Also, try to not let fear get in the way. There’s so much room for success when your work comes from a genuine, sincere place, and as long as you know you aren’t just trying to be someone else, happiness (and yes, money) will follow. People are interested in real stories, not just in a pretty picture. Work hard, be honest with yourself, and be kind to people—these will bring you places.

(Photo and illustrations courtesy of Arlene Sy)