Step into a world of creativity with Natasha Elle from Sadshrimps. A local illustrator making a name for herself both at home and abroad. In Singapore, freelancing in the creative field isn't the usual gig, but Natasha's breaking stereotypes and paving her own way.
During her time at polytechnic, she embarked on a passion project by designing her first t-shirt featuring her artwork, which garnered positive feedback from her peers. Encouraged by the praise, she decided to explore her creative potential further by expanding into designing stationery. This led her to delve into other art forms such as watercolors, broadening her artistic horizons. Her innovative and practical creations quickly gained recognition, establishing her presence in the art scene. Subsequently, Sadshrimps has evolved over time, transitioning her art into a range of merchandise including home decor and socks.
The success of her brand is attributed to the simplicity of her art combined with playful elements that bring joy to viewers upon first glance. The clever ability to connect with everyday experiences is fundamental to her work. When questioned about her sources of inspiration, Natasha reveals, "Inspiration is significant. Creativity ebbs and flows; sometimes, we must create without the luxury of feeling creative." Therefore, her inspiration stems from mundane objects she gathers, often overlooked by others. "Art exists everywhere, if you observe closely," she elaborates.
As her brand expands, her inventory grows as well. Moving to a larger studio is the obvious next move for her. Since her previous studio was in her own home, Natasha found it challenging to juggle work and personal life. Therefore, a larger space outside her comfort zone was clearly the next stage of brand growth.
The spacious studio with its high ceiling and abundant natural light continues to amaze her. The sunlight streaming in from both sides sets the ideal backdrop for her photo shoots and sparks her creativity. As she gazes at her own merchandise in the studio, she reveals that designing apparel is currently one of her most beloved activities.
When questioned about the challenges she encountered during her renovation, she laughed and remarked, "I'd doubt anyone who claims they've never faced an issue during a renovation!" She went on to explain, "Mistakes happen, no matter how meticulously you plan." Natasha's renovation was extended by 3 months, and being her first experience with such a large-scale project, she found it difficult to make design decisions and experienced decision fatigue. Nevertheless, she persevered and is now content with her studio.
When questioned about her choice to collaborate with Shiok Lighting, she explained, "I always had a desire to support local businesses, which led me to research and discover Shiok Lighting! Their branding and diverse product range perfectly met my needs." She emphasised, "It's crucial! Lighting is not only vital for content creators like me, but also for everyday individuals." Despite being fortunate to have natural light during the day, she frequently stays up late and values having the appropriate lighting fixtures.
At first, Natasha considered selecting an elaborate light fixture for her studio. However, following a conversation with the Shiok Lighting team, she opted for something simple and practical - the Vanta tracklight with Philips Master 6.2W bulb in 3000K. This choice, with its adjustable and tiltable design, proves ideal for her studio. Natasha can easily reposition the tracklights and utilize the tilting feature to concentrate light on her work desks and inventory.
Despite her rising stardom in the creative industry, she has been seeking a more relaxed pace recently. She expresses, "It's about embracing the present and achieving a harmonious work-life equilibrium." When questioned about the primary challenge faced by creatives like her, she highlights the struggle of balancing practicality with creativity. While creativity brings Natasha joy and fulfilment, she acknowledges the significance of financial stability and survival. Despite the challenges she faces, Natasha remains steadfast in her commitment to honouring both her creative spirit and her need for financial security. She seeks innovative ways to merge her passion for creativity with the pragmatism required to sustain herself. Through her journey, she exemplifies the courage and determination required to thrive as a creative individual in a world that demands a delicate balance between artistic expression and financial stability.
Natasha recommended that those aspiring to launch a creative brand like Sadshrimps should simply give it a try. Despite potential obstacles, she emphasised the importance of taking the leap and not letting fear hold you back. She highlighted that without attempting, you'll never truly know the outcome, and even in failure, giving your best effort will bring a sense of pride.
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