Andrew Tan: Embracing Creativity, Reflection, and Tools — S1/E5

About this episode

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Tan, a freelance illustrator, art teacher, and creator of Drewscape, to discuss his journey from daydreaming about being a business major to becoming an independent illustrator in Singapore. We dig into how his years as an advertising art director shaped his approach to working with clients, his love of vintage fountain pens, the push-and-pull between analog and digital tools, and what he’s learned about confidence, contrast, and giving yourself permission to be imperfect. Running Order • Introduction and Andrew's journey from YouTube rabbit holes to professional illustration • The significance of sketching as a reflection tool and its flexibility • How culture and background influence Andrew's artistic path in Singapore and America • Transitioning from art direction to independent freelancing • How Andrew's art direction experience shapes his illustration work • Insights into Andrew's tools: vintage fountain pens, monoprints, and more • The impact of storyboarding and speed training in Andrew's skillset • Effects of the pandemic on Andrew's professional projects and his COVID Chronicle series • Cultural perspectives on