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Lara Sim, the Malacca-born, Melbourne-based artist is looking to change your perception about illustrations. Sim, who is one of the three children related to a retired former merchant navy sea captain, told me:

“There was once when I arrived at the airport, a security officer asked me what I did for a living. When I mentioned that I was an illustrator, he immediately tensed up. He asked me to elaborate further, and when I explained that I basically draw for a living, he relaxed and allowed me to pass. I don’t think people know exactly what an illustrator does and that makes them assume that you’re just making it up. A lot of times, they ask if I was a graphic designer or interior designer even after I explained what I do.”

Perhaps one of Sim’s most notable works is her illustrations in a children’s book titled Everything But the Kitchen Sink (2017) by Josette Hennessy, an English language teacher, who grew up in the agricultural town of Gunnedah in Australia’s New South Wales (NSW). Sim’s portfolio also includes large portrait paintings and a series of large acrylic paintings to be hung for wall decoration. “My favourite paintings would be watercolour portraits of pets and animals. It’s interesting having to pack and ship canvas paintings to clients because you always have to wait in anticipation until the parcels arrive at their doorsteps.”

On her current endeavour, she elaborated, “I’m currently working on a themed range of stationery like stickers, greeting cards, and posters. I haven’t launched the entire range yet, but I have some designs already brewing ready for the launch.”

On how her experience down under has helped shaped her artwork, she revealed, “I’m now living in Melbourne, Australia. Since I’ve only just moved here [from Malaysia], I’m still working on building a base here, but I know that art in general is a lot more embraced in this part of the world than in Asia. It’s much easier to plan gallery exhibitions or join art fairs. That being said, relocation doesn’t affect me as much because I am able to work online and remotely.”

Armed with both her childhood experience during which much of her time was spent at sea, as well as having studied illustration in the UK and Australia, Sim often works with a three-step process that helps her develop an idea:-

“When commissioned with an idea, I first start off with a lot of brainstorming and rough sketches then select the best out of that. I then develop that into three different options and select the best out of that. Finally, I work on colour selection and add in details.”

“This process can sometimes restrict freedom and expression for a new artist, but after a bit of practice it tends to flow a lot better. It’s a long process, but it always works, especially when you’re working with a client. An illustrator will have to be [open] to change [or tweak] a drawing or design. If we make it unchanging and rigid, we’ll never be able to improve it.”

On the materials and software that she generally uses, “I love using paint, and digital programs that allow me to still apply an organic look to my work. Traditionally, I work with oil paint, acrylic paint, watercolour, and gouache. Digitally, I use Adobe Photoshop or Procreate.”

Digital programs are especially handy for Sim, particularly when she has to work around short deadlines, as she now has the opportunity to speed up a process, or make quick changes to an artwork. She sometimes works with both traditional and digital media to polish a final piece.

One on the cat enjoying its ZzzzzZzzzz

Celebrating one’s Peranakan heritage

“I feel free in my body.”

Design on a postcard. Ahhh! Seeing this makes me think back to the time my cousins and I used to send each other postcards! Oh, the excitement of receiving them! Thank you, Mr Postman!

Another cute one by Lara Sim! Done for and published in a series in an online publication called YMI Today.

Meant for print and decoration and printed on greeting cards. Minimal, bright and open in characteristics.

As with any other skill, illustration is a skill that requires a lot of practice. “If you are especially pursuing a career in illustration or art, you have to practice, practice, practice! Illustration is a skill that needs to be exercised and worked on in order for it to blossom into something great. The amount of time you spend on your skill will soon show up in your work.”

Now, go ahead and show the artist some love by heading over to her website.