We had the privilege of meeting Abbey over Skype recently, and needless to say, we clicked immediately! Her high energy and entrepreneurial spirit is a rare gem amongst our generation today, we’re so inspired by her lettering and journaling works. Read on to learn more about her creative process.

 

 

Where do you draw inspiration from the most? Do you have a muse of sorts? 

Mostly from my life — my travels and adventures. I am also inspired by some of my favourite artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, among others. 

 

How has travelling affected you? (in terms of art, mindset, etc)

Travelling has made me open to possibilities and seeing the world differently. My perspective became wider and my ability to experience life has broadened in the best way.

 

How would you advise those who want to travel but has some financial difficulties?

I'm generally not an overspender, and I try to invest in expenses that would benefit me (e.g. I only buy gadgets and art supplies for work, etc). A percentage of my savings are purely dedicated to travel, and I never touch it except for trips. I feel that this discipline has enabled me to keep taking on adventures and enjoy my travels!

 

 

What mediums do you prefer to use? 

I love watercolour because it's the first medium I explored on my own. The challenging part is that watercolour can only do so much; I’m currently trying out other mediums to broaden my knowledge with art in general.

 

How would you describe the Mossery Sketchbook to others? 

The Mossery Sketchbook is versatile—I like how I can paint, draw, and do collages in it. 

 

Tell us about your creative process—what is it like from start to finish? 

Usually, I start with a subject in mind. Then I would think of ways to reinterpret it and create different sketches/thumbnails. I try to keep things loose when it comes to my illustrations because I allow myself to be free and just go with it.

 

What is your earliest memory of creating art? 

Drawing at 5 years old, being the kid in parties who's always at the drawing area busy with my crayons and colouring sheet.

 

 

Do you believe in talent? Why? 

Not really. I started out being not good. I mean, generally I think talent helps start the momentum but ultimately hard work is what makes talent become actionable and in turn, become an achievement.

 

How do you handle criticism, and what are some of the toughest challenges you've encountered? 

I do believe everyone has their own opinion on things, so I try to respect that. I guess one of the tougher challenges I've had to encounter was my insecurity of not being in art school and suddenly pursuing a creative career. Now I’m trying to embrace it all and just keep creating because it makes me happy.

 

What’s one of the best advice you’ve ever received in life? 

'One day at a time.'

 

In return, what advice would you give to your younger self? 

I would tell my younger self to believe in herself more and be less afraid to take bolder risks.

 

 

If you’re given only one word to describe yourself, what word would it be and why? 

Restless.

 

Why do you consider yourself restless? Could you elaborate a little more on that?

Once I find comfort in something, I always want to move to the next part. I guess that's where my restlessness comes through. In terms of art, when I am fully comfortable in a certain art style, I want to keep changing and finding what else out there I can do and experiment with. It's my way of continuing to grow and evolve as a person.

 

Tell us a secret. 

I love playing the guitar! In another life, I wanted to become a musician because I love music and writing.

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You can follow Abbey on Instagram, support her on her shop, and personalise your Mossery Sketchbook here.

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