The 2023 AOI Mentorship scheme is fully underway, and we are proud to introduce and champion this year’s mentees in a new series of interviews. A free program first introduced in 2020, this initiative champions a select group of 22 underrepresented illustrators, empowering them with dedicated support and guidance in the course of six months.
Simbie Yau is an Illustrator based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, paired with mentor and Illustrator Ollie Hirst. Continue reading to learn how her mentorship is going so far, her key takeaways from the experience, and much more.
What does being part of the AOI Mentorship mean to you?
I have been incredibly grateful to be selected for the AOI Mentorship Scheme. It has been a privilege to not only have a mentor, but also have one who I have been following for many years. Learning from Ollie Hirst has given me valuable insights and an understanding of what it takes to work in the commercial space with editorial illustrations.
“It’s simply been my privilege to watch Simbie’s confidence blossom in not only her work but herself as a creative and what her voice can offer to the industry. I’m so excited to see what she continues to do and I have no doubt we’ll be seeing much more of her in the coming years! Thanks so much for the experience!”
– Ollie Hirst, AOI Mentor.
How has the mentorship helped you tackle your goals? In what way(s) has your mentor supported you?
My main goal is to build a portfolio showcasing a range of conceptual illustrations suitable for the commercial industry. Through project-based tasks and work with speculative briefs, my mentor has guided me with great attention to detail and focus to help me refine my process for conceptual illustrations. Each project was broken up into relevant stages from start to finish to replicate a timeline of a real commissioned project.
My biggest challenge was to be courageous when using bolder colours and to implement contrast in my work. The use of colours has made my illustrations more impactful.
“The main takeaway is: If you want to see your work somewhere it does not exist, create that work using speculative briefs and do something unexpected. Do not wait for people to give you permission to create work you really want to do: Create them as part of your portfolio.”
– Simbie Yau
What has been a key moment or takeaway from the mentorship so far?
The ongoing theme throughout my mentorship is to work strategically and tactically in ways I have not considered before: How to choose your subjects, consider your audience and tone of voice; this can all be achieved with your choice of colours, as they carry so much meaning behind them. The main takeaway is: If you want to see your work somewhere it does not exist, create that work using speculative briefs and do something unexpected. Do not wait for people to give you permission to create work you really want to do: Create them as part of your portfolio.
Another takeaway is to create things that are outside your comfort zone. You would be surprised what you can learn from it – If you succeed then this is great, but it has proven to be a big learning curve and helps you gain a different perspective about yourself as an illustrator.
Thank you Simbie for taking the time to give us this interview. See more of their work on their website and instagram.
Keep checking our Mentorship section to meet more mentees!
Learn more about the AOI Mentorship and our 2023 Mentors.
The AOI Mentorship scheme is one of many initiatives offered by us. Find out more about membership today.