Flora Chang . Chirpy Character Creator

Flora Chang specialises in illustrations of a ‘feel good’ nature. It’s therefore a pleasure to introduce her work to you in the hope that it induces a wave of Fishink blog smiling 🙂

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Flora has been drawing since she was small and has always dreamed of being able to draw for a living.  She says ” My parents were both teachers and very creative. Growing up, I remember going to different classes and workshops with my mom, and she was always making stuff with her hands, even until this day. They have always fostered my creativity, but at the same time, they did not want me to grow up to be a starving artist. Thus I didn’t pursue an art education until I decided to go to San Francisco in 1998. (Those three years in San Fran are among the best years of my life.) I graduated in 2001 from Academy of Art University with an MFA degree in graphic design and was hired by Hallmark Cards before my graduation”

She has lived and worked in Kansas City as a full time designer & illustrator for almost 12 years, making children’s products. ” I love my job; my office is like a big art school where I work and learn from many artists everyday. I love to make and draw stuff for kids and adults alike, and I always carry my sketchbook and a black marker pen with me wherever I go. I am most happy when I am doodling, creating, and learning. If I am not making something, I am not me. I am most inspired by colors, organic forms, folk arts, vintage children’s illustrations, and objects with beautiful textures and lines”

Such quirky and appealing work, just look at this stripy topped little bear with a monocle and curly moustache, sheer genius.

This elephant is superb, I like the texture of the line and his little herringbone topper ! Some mocked up book covers here that have come out of a course that Flora is currently taking with Lilla Rogers called Make Art That Sells which from the comments on Flora’s blog looks fascinating.

Great to see some variation in style, like these more painterly ladies.

Some work with design repeats.

Flora’s doodling knows no boundaries, wood, ceramics, stone…

Some amazing and creative sketchbook work here too.  Flora finishes by saying ” I am truly thankful and feel so blessed to be able to draw and share my art with you. I hope my works will make you feel warm, happy and put a smile on your face ” Well Flora I think they have.