Hello! I’m Arlene Sy, an illustrator and art director based in Manila.
In 2010, having worked as a magazine art director and writer for three years, I set up this art blog to casually revisit two of my passions: drawing and painting. Realizing that I’d stopped creating art for my own pleasure (much to the dismay of my sketchpads!), I plucked up the courage to strike it out on my own and finally give my first loves my full attention.
Inspired by fashion, interiors, and all things vintage, I’m driven by a firm belief in hand-drawn art. I keep my plate full working on commissions, collaborating with like-minded creatives, and developing my own line of paper goods–all in an effort to craft and perfect my vision, and to make my mark with my delicate, feminine, yet modern illustration style.
Putting up this journal, I hope I’ll draw and write the way I used to–gathering the things I love about art (my own and others’), and keeping a record of my insights about design (especially in fashion, beauty, interiors, and print media). I want to inspire others the way I’ve already been inspired by many out there.
And hopefully, this little space helps me become a better observer, artist, writer, and citizen of the world!
