AFAR Magazine

Welcoming Committee


The featured full-page illustration is based on how hosts around the world warmly welcome guests using a variety of special traditions.
Client: AFAR Magazine
Creative Director: Supriya Kalidas
Art Director: Elizabeth See
Editor: Mae Hamilton
Medium: Pen and ink, Photoshop
Year: 2023





“At first, I viewed these countries as neighboring families” 

With this in mind, I've worked to connect and rearrange the elements in an effort to create an illustration with a harmonious and cohesive whole.




Sketch Stage


My sketch makes sure that everything is neat, helps me shape exactly what I mean to draw into the work, and makes it easier to think about making changes.











Japan

Peru


People tend to wear more modern and casual clothes instead of traditional ones, which is a clear sign of urbanism.



Final Art


Each regional cluster in the illustration still recognizes the uniqueness of each country's traditional hospitality.



The Mori greeting of wiping one's nose and pressing one's forehead against another, Peruvian families' chicha, and the Japanese tradition of sending distinctive gifts to friends and family all convey a sense of intimacy and warmth.






To read the article, download the AFAR Magazine app to grab a copy online
—or pick up a copy at newsstands.

ELLE DECORATION

Huyền Đan


This Elle’s August issue features architect Huyền Đan, who is a practitioner of sustainable agriculture – Permaculture.

Link to read the article here.
Art Director: Thùy Dương
Medium: Ink, graphite on paper, photoshop, 15.5x5.5in

Year: 2022











Sketch stage




Although the line work is quite rudimentary, it shows the love of Huyền Đan and his associates for the work and the abundant essence of nature.




I chose blue and yellow-brown as primary colors for this illustration after much thought and consideration as they are the colors of indigo fabric and highland soil.


some inspiration from the pictures


A tiny worm climbing the hat,
eroded rocks and stones,
a deluge of rain,
a forest dust trail,
or even mosquitoes flying by

 

A litte seed for me to sow
A little earth to make it grow
A little hole
A little pat
A little wish
Sun
Shower
And a little flower
For me to hold
To listen
To feel



You Aren't Fighting Alone

P, Yên Bái


The illustration is based on a true story that the anonymous female character told about her experience with breast cancer.

The book “Khong Chien Dau Mot Minh” (You Aren't Fighting Alone) which came out in October 2022, has more than 20 genuine stories.
Client: Phu Nu Kien Cuong Non-profit Organization
Art Director: Duy Dao




BƯU HOA VIỆT NAM

Vương


An illustration based on the substance of some old Vietnamese poetry I've archived.
Medium: Pen and ink, Photoshop
See more at Buu Hoa Viet Nam







The Past


Partially to bolster my own archive project is BUU HOA, I have a habit of purchasing pre-1975 letters from second-hand vendors. During this period, my country was still at war. Finding out when the stamp on the envelope was issued gave me a good idea of when the letter was written, and that, together with the contents, gives the reader a sense of the context in which it was written.

It's a letter that gives two people hope for their love. Based on how I felt, I drew it based on the ideas in the beginning of the letter.