♡ Frequently asked questions ♡
PERSONAL
where are you from and what language do you speak?
I’m from Singapore and English is our first language. I also speak Mandarin and some dialect (Hokkien and Cantonese).
WHY “PUFFINGMUFFIN”?
It was a (random) name I came up with when I started my art Instagram account. It was during the time when cupcakes were a fad and I thought that if I were a muffin, I’d be really pissed since muffins are kinda like underdressed cupcakes? So, TADA! there you have it — “Puffingmuffin”, the angry, puffing muffin. :P
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A CRAZY CAT LADY?
Not at all! But it seemed like the Universe turned me into one the night we rescued Fishball when he walked home with us in 2018. 2 years later, we adopted Fishcake, and here I am today, the artist and cat mom. LOL.
CREATIVE JOURNEY
DID YOU STUDY ART IN SCHOOL? HOw did you start your creative career?
I didn’t take art in an art school and my background is in Architecture. However, I took art for my ‘O’ and ‘A’ Level, so I have some sort of art “foundation”. Other than that, most skills that I’ve picked up along the way were from past / current work experiences.
I started my creative journey in the architecture industry before moving graphic design, and illustration. Drawing has been the main constant in my life but I was too fearful to give it a go as a “career” when I was younger. Looking back, I’ve always been more visual than technical, so gravitating towards illustration came very naturally. That said, quitting my day job to pursue illustration full-time was still a huge leap of faith, but I’m so glad I did what I did!
How did you develop your style?
I feel that style is something that is constantly evolving. I enjoy trying out different medium / materials / ways to make art, and while experimenting and practicing art consistently over a period of time, my “style” gradually takes form. It’s not something that can be forced nor happens overnight. By paying attention to what I naturally like/dislike really helps in shaping my style too!
Any word of advice for anyone just starting out?
Be passionate, humble and always show up! You never know where, when and what opportunities may come your way. And always be ready to HUSTLE! :P
SUPPLIES
WHAT ARE YOUR FAV SUPPLIES?
- Holbein Watercolour & Gouache
- Schmincke Horadam Aquarell
- Winsor & Newton Watercolour & Gouache
- Dr Ph. Martin Bleed Proof White
- Prismacolor Premier Coloured Pencils
- Caran d'Ache Coloured Pencils & Pastels
- Arches Watercolour Paper
- Strathmore Sketchbook
- Moleskine for notes & stuff
WHAT DO YOU USE FOR DIGITAL ART?
I work mostly on Procreate on my iPad Pro / iPad Air 4 for digital drawings and Adobe Illustrator for any vector work.
WHAT DO YOU USE TO FILM AND EDIT YOUR VIDEOS?
I use my Canon EOS M6, iPhone 12 / XS max, and DJI2 to film my videos and edit them using Adobe Premiere Pro on my iMac. I use them interchangeably in no order of preference but I use my phone most because it’s the most convenient option and the video quality is fab! :D
HOW DO YOU PREPARE YOUR PRINTS?
I scan my art prints using the Canon LiDE 220 scanner, make colour adjustments with Photoshop, and print them on my Canon Pro-100 Printer with Fine Art Paper.
COMMISSION / COLLAB
ARE you available for COMMISSIONS / collaborations AT THE MOMENT?
YUP!! I’m currently accepting commercial and personal commissions. You may drop me an email / leave a note on my contact page and we can work something out. :)
