Have you always pictured yourself as a professional illustrator?
I have been drawing since I was a kid but never thought I could actually make a career out of it, so I decided to get a B.A. in Law. After I graduated, I spent about two years working in a legal department. I finally quit the job when I launched my first book, Cheevit 18- (Under 18 Life), in 2012, and came to realize that although I was quite happy with my job, drawing was real my passion.
What did your family say about you leaving law study behind?
When I finally quit my office job and turned to professional illustration, they at first didn’t quite agree with my decision. But once they saw how well my first book sold and that I actually had a chance to make it in this field, they supported me all the way.
You have written four books so far, what has been your inspiration?
I am most inspired by things from everyday life; all the little things I notice around me are retold through my drawings. Like in my latest book, Plants VS Plariex, I tell stories about cacti, which have been hobby for a while. I wanted to share all that I have learned through my illustrations, from the reasons why I started, to every problem I encountered along the way.
A cactus, though, is that a good hero for a comic strip?
Well, first of all, I can’t have a pet because my house doesn’t have much space, plus it would be inconvenient for my grandmother. A cactus only needs a small corner and doesn’t need much watering. Most importantly, I am able to keep it alive. If I brought home a plant, chances are it would have died eventually.
What do you think is the charm of your work?
I think it’s the way people feel happy when they see my drawings, which are mostly illustrations of children. They put a smile on people’s faces. Most pictures that I draw are actually derived from my own look: big cheeks, messy hair and a poker face. But now I’m trying to be a bit more diverse.
What makes Thai illustrators more popular than in the past?
Before, there was just blogging, but now, there are Facebook pages and Instagram, which reach out to people in a wider sphere. Artworks don’t exist only on paper like they used to. Also, the illustration business is much stronger than before; the money is better, there are more artists and more variety.
What do you love most about drawing?
It simply makes me happy and I love that. There is a saying that depressed people should make something because seeing yourself finish something with your own hands can make you happy. I actually think of myself as a pretty depressed person so drawing is kind of like my salvation. This is the reason why people feel happy when they see my illustrations—my heart is full of happiness when I draw.
