I Illustrate Literal Meanings Of Words And Word Combinations, And Here Are 40 Of The Newest Ones

The idea of doodling came to me while recovering from a cold. It was a happy accident that I discovered this style of cartooning, and therefore it is pure play for me. In this space, I can be playful and joyful, and I don't worry too much about making flawless illustrations. I share doodles and puns simply because they make me smile.

My family background is a mixed bag, so I have developed a pared-down and graphic style that is very clear and direct, accessible to everyone. At least everyone who speaks (some) English.

Playfulness is something I've rediscovered thanks to this Instagram account. It's always been important in my work and in my life, but it got shoved aside when I was too busy adulting. I think all humans are playful in childhood, but growing up, it's hard to hold onto your playfulness when life becomes chock-full of adult responsibilities. What I do now is I try to just draw in my sketchbook regularly without the pressure of posting anything, just for fun. I think perfectionism can easily kill creativity, so it's crucial to find a form for being creative that is SO small that the monster that is perfectionism isn't alerted to what you do. I call it The Smallest Thing. As in, what's the smallest thing I can do creatively to get me going.

My various creative pursuits as an interior architect, writer, and illustrator are sometimes difficult to balance with my personal life because there simply aren't enough hours in the day. But they do inspire each other quite often because life is full of serendipity, and even an everyday situation can trigger an idea for a doodle or an illustrated story. Inversely, I'm now introducing my doodles in my work as an interior architect, and (it's not all decided yet) I'm hoping to do a mural with my black and white doodles on the interior wall of a project soon.

I have a passion for the English language and wordplay, but funnily enough, the people whose work I admire use words quite sparingly (if at all). I love the cartoonists Saul Steinberg and Sempé and also the writer and illustrator Edward Gorey. And of course, the Japanese graphic designer Shigeo Fukuda, the tattooist Michele Volpi, and the songwriting of Amy Winehouse and Leonard Cohen. And there are so many. I'll have to come back and add to the list!