{"id":261977,"date":"2022-10-25T13:54:22","date_gmt":"2022-10-25T05:54:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/?p=261977"},"modified":"2022-10-31T15:03:51","modified_gmt":"2022-10-31T07:03:51","slug":"toby-tan-tobyato-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/toby-tan-tobyato-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Local visual artist Toby “tobyato” Tan on his journey and how he bagged big clients like G-Shock and Asics in just three years"},"content":{"rendered":"

As someone who has followed Toby Tan\u2019s art<\/a> journey for a while now, you could say I\u2019m a fan. On social media, the 28-year-old artist presents himself with an incredibly positive air. And he\u2019s pretty much the same in person. He greets me with a cheery tone and maintains it as he explains the new mural he\u2019s completed on Orchard Road<\/a>. Decked out in his Novablast Asics sneakers and a red G-Shock watch that both feature his design work, his outfit speaks volumes of the pride he has for his projects \u2013 all without saying a word.<\/p>\n

Introducing the ever-whimsical Tobyato<\/h3>\n
\"tobyato
If you\u2019ve ever been to the Shake Shack at Great World City, the mural is done by Toby! Photography: Shake Shack Singapore via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having just recovered from Covid when I meet him, Toby<\/a> keeps a safe distance from me. He opts to keep his mask on even though we’re outside (but he obliges when I ask him to take it off for a picture). He tells me he’s doing much better now, but he has to play catchup for work and get the rhythm back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs sad as it sounds, art is pretty much my whole life,\u201d he says sheepishly when I ask what interests he pursues in his free time. But he tells me that streetwear and a curiosity for craft beer are two that come to mind (his favourite is sour beer, btw!).<\/p>\n

\u201cMy art career got me way more into street culture than I could have on my own. There\u2019s a big overlap there, which is nice. But then again it just gets absorbed into my work,\u201d Toby jokes. He demonstrates with his hands that if there were a Venn diagram of his work and interests, they’d more than likely share the same bubble.<\/p>\n

His first taste of art as a career<\/h3>\n
\"Studio
The mural Toby painted outside Studio Haroobee at Marina Square. Photography: Studio Haroobee via Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Contrary to what you might believe, art was never Toby\u2019s initial career path. Instead, his education led him to the science stream through his years in junior college.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I always enjoyed drawing,\u201d he tells me. \u201cI drew on my worksheets and my foolscap pads. I didn\u2019t write my name on the worksheet \u2013 just doodles. And the teacher would know that it\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

While waiting for National Service to start, he looked for something to fill up his free time. That led him to Studio Haroobee, which was looking for a part-time art teacher. In an almost thankful tone, he explains that the owner took a leap of faith as he had no prior art experience. She helped Toby put together a portfolio that got him into the School of Art, Design, and Media at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Almost 10 years later, in 2021, Toby had the opportunity to return and paint the front of Studio Haroobee’s newest shop in Marina Square as a full-time artist. Talk about a full-circle moment!<\/p>\n

Since he spent some time at Imperial College on an exchange program, I ask if he ever considered starting his art career in London. \u201cI didn\u2019t even think about it,\u201d he responds without missing a beat. \u201cMy mindset has always been the same – to come back to Singapore.\u201d Considering how deeply his roots have been placed with the beginning of his art journey, I can see why Toby’s grown so fond of the local scene.<\/p>\n

Being behind the curve gave him motivation<\/h3>\n
\"Toby
Toby with calligraphy master Yong Cheong Thye holding their collaboration red packets. Photography: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Toby credits his drive to the late start he had when pursuing art. Unlike most of his peers, he entered art school with no resources and no skills in any design software. \u201cI did a lot outside of school. I taught myself how to use Illustrator, networked, and did freelance projects,\u201d he lists. These baby steps in his career set a tone for him through his development.<\/p>\n

If you ask Toby what style he has, he doesn\u2019t have a straight answer. \u201cStyle is just a combination of preferences and it builds over time,\u201d he explains. While you can take inspiration from an artist or dedicate yourself to a specific medium, that doesn\u2019t resonate with Toby. \u201cYou can choose it, but it\u2019s not something I want to decide for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

That being said, there are a lot of recurring themes in Toby\u2019s art. Trained as a designer, his process starts with briefs and mood boards that get broken down and combined with the message he intends to convey. But a lot of his art remains heavily Asian-inspired: \u201cBecause as a Chinese artist, if I don\u2019t tack in my own culture, who will?\u201d<\/p>\n

Why drawing on walls is the crux of his “accessible art” philosophy<\/h3>\n
\"Somerset
The best way to view this mural? From the lobby of Hotel Jen! Photography: Tobyato<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Toby\u2019s intention is all about creating engaging and accessible art \u2013 no matter the location, medium, or even the subjects he paints. Long-time Tobyato fans will know what I\u2019m talking about. We\u2019ve seen Toby give away countless free stickers and keychains over the years. It\u2019s all a matter of visibility and resonance. It\u2019s the reason why most of his subjects are animals, too!<\/p>\n

Take his Somerset mural, for example. Done in collaboration with Lendlease, Toby was asked to create something to present the collective vision of the public for the upcoming space. Drawing inspiration from the community, his mural features a phoenix that symbolises rebirth and renewal. This is in light of the car park being transformed into a new event space.<\/p>\n

\u201cArt in Singapore is always stigmatised to be in galleries and museums, but it doesn\u2019t only have to be that way,\u201d he explains. \u201cSingaporeans have this mindset of looking at the artwork and then looking for the answer sheet. Because you have this preconceived notion that you can be wrong. Art is never wrong,\u201d he says with a shrug of his shoulders. I wish everyone perceives art the same way he does.<\/p>\n

So, how did<\/em> he achieve so much in just three years?<\/h3>\n
\"Toby
The Asics Novablast sneakers designed by Toby. Photography: Qi Rong<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There\u2019s no denying that Toby’s portfolio is incredibly impressive. In just three years as a full-time artist, he\u2019s already bagged clients like Netflix, Vayner Media and Esquire. Not to mention the slew of collaborations he\u2019s done with brands like Asics, Uniqlo and Hugo Boss. You might think there was some \u201cbig break\u201d that led to his quick rise to fame, but Toby disagrees.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more of a steady climb,\u201d he claims, thinking back to the chain reaction of events that led up to key moments in his career. \u201cFor my final year project in university, I painted basketball courts around Singapore. That was quite well received,\u201d he recalls. This led to collaborations with G-Shock and Adidas – all because they saw his first mural.<\/p>\n

It has also resulted in some memorable experiences. Knowing his fondness for soccer, I ask about the Manchester trip with Chivas where he played soccer with other creatives. Toby lights up excitedly, ready to share. \u201cPeople don\u2019t understand how rare it is to step on the Old Trafford pitch. It\u2019s impossible. I think I\u2019m the only one in Singapore who can say I drew my way onto the pitch,\u201d he reminisces. \u201cThat will forever go down as a Tobyato highlight.\u201d<\/p>\n

The realities of being a one-man show<\/h3>\n
\"Toby
Photography: Ashe Liao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Doing something you love seems like a dream, and Toby makes it work. However, a journey like this isn\u2019t without its challenges. The reality? He isn\u2019t actually doing as much art as he’d like to.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing an artist is very much like running your own business,\u201d he equates. After all, you have to pitch and prep for a project before you can execute one. This means wearing many hats \u2013 besides being the artist, he\u2019s also the project manager, marketer and boss. Striking a balance between all of this was arguably one of his biggest struggles during his first year as a full-time artist. \u201cAdmin and numbers are my weak spot, but they have to be done,\u201d he laughs.<\/p>\n

This also means drawing a line in the sand between what he used to love as a hobby and what has now become his career. \u201cIt\u2019s about managing your own expectations; how you view something you used to love,\u201d he explains. Toby admits there are aspects of art he enjoys a little less now. Because instead of art being something he wants<\/em> to do, it’s now something he must<\/em> do.<\/p>\n

I find his perspective to be refreshing in a world where we glamourise the creative path. It\u2019s a realistic take on what happens when you turn your passion into your career. With this cloud comes silver linings. He doesn\u2019t draw much for himself anymore, but this isn\u2019t something he harps on. There are no regrets about the path he\u2019s chosen because he finds himself making a greater impact. \u201cI lose some, I gain some,\u201d he concludes merrily.<\/p>\n

The challenges of a more accepting art scene<\/h3>\n
\"Toby
Toby with his floor mural at Somerset\u2019s skate park. Photography: Ashe Liao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Toby agrees that a more accepting arts scene is a step in the right direction. But he also has a practical view of what the potential outcome looks like. \u201cI\u2019m fully aware it’ll bring its own challenges,\u201d he says. As with most saturated career paths, it becomes a fight to be noticed. While recognition of art as a viable career is a fantastic shift, it means an increase in (perhaps cutthroat) competition.<\/p>\n

So, how do we alleviate this? \u201cThe first thing is to not gatekeep,\u201d he says, explaining how some artists have that tendency. \u201cThey think \u2018I\u2019ve worked so hard and I\u2019ve struggled so much\u2019 – so you enjoy it for yourself. But then it\u2019s going to die with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

With Toby\u2019s own philosophy so deeply rooted in sharing, you can see why this strikes a chord with him. \u201cTake on projects and bring in other artists,” he advises. “I invite the artists that reach out to me to come and paint.\u201d It\u2019s about creating a platform and an opportunity for new artists to step into the space.<\/p>\n

One piece of advice he has for budding artists out there: \u201cStop chasing a kick-off point; stop chasing a big break because it\u2019s not the only way to make it. Everybody\u2019s path will be different, and that\u2019s okay. Focus on your strengths, work with people who can do better, and learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking into the future with no regrets<\/h3>\n
\"Tobyato\"
My mini art project with the stickers that Toby gave me. Photography: Ashe Liao<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cIf Tobyato ends after three years, so be it. I\u2019m okay with that,\u201d Toby says candidly. I’m taken aback. After he\u2019s worked so hard to build himself up as an artist, it\u2019s hard for me to believe he can swallow losing the fruits of his labour.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve lived the full-time artist career without regrets,\u201d he explains. \u201cIf, for whatever reason, I fade into irrelevance and have to find a full-time job, then I will. I\u2019m practical enough to make that choice.\u201d I\u2019m pleasantly surprised by his outlook (but also hope this won’t be the case any time soon).<\/p>\n

It’s heartwarming to see artists like Toby thrive in Singapore, and I’m determined to continue supporting local talents who bravely put themselves out there. Looking forward, he tells me about his plans to open a studio space for artists like himself to create. For now, I leave the conversation feeling refreshed and walk away with plenty of food for thought (and free Tobyato stickers, yay!).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As someone who has followed Toby Tan\u2019s art journey for a while now, you could say I\u2019m a fan. On social media, the 28-year-old artist presents himself with an incredibly positive air. And he\u2019s pretty much the same in person. He greets me with a cheery tone and maintains it as he explains the new […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":107581,"featured_media":261984,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[25074],"tags":[55381,416],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow Toby Tan went from science kid to visual artist | Honeycombers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We chat with Toby "tobyato" Tan about turning his passion into a career, his milestones, and the interests he's picked up along the way.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/singapore\/toby-tan-tobyato-interview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Local visual artist Toby "tobyato" Tan on his journey and how he bagged big clients like G-Shock and Asics in just three years\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As someone who has followed Toby Tan\u2019s art journey for a while now, you could say I\u2019m a fan. 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