Debs Lim

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Book cover illustration for Orange and The Bread Knife by Debs Lim

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Illustration of person curled up on spoon floating in water by Debs Lim

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Illustration of colorful wine bottles on clouds for Washington Post Food by Debs Lim

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Debs illustriert mit feinem Gespür für Realismus, Farbe und Humor.

Illustrationen mit Charakter. Charmant, strukturiert und immer auf den Punkt.

Based in Brisbane, Australia, Debs is enthusiastic, organised and deadline-oriented, and clients love her friendly yet conscientious approach. She loves to draw and make things, and grew up in a creative household influenced by her art director father and copywriting mother. Fashion designers like Molly Goddard and Cecilie Bahnsen are just two of the fellow creatives Debs finds inspiring. Debs has a Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology from TAFE Queensland, and a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from SAE Institute.

Approach

Procreate is Debs’ tool of choice, sketching her images and then using the pencil brushes to generate a realistic handmade finish. She works with a warm colour palette, gravitating towards pinks, reds and yellows.

Style

While the hand of the artist always shines through in Debs’ illustrations, she strives for realism, a sense of beauty and a touch of humour as well. This unique combination is what gives her work its impact.

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Interview

What led you to become an illustrator?I grew up in a very creative household, so drawing and making things has always been a passion that slowly developed into a career.Did you study illustration at college?I studied graphic design and fashion design, both had fundamental illustration classes, but I am mostly self taught.Where did you grow up?I was born in Kota Kinabalu Malaysia, I moved to Brisbane when I was seven and have lived here ever since.Do you have a childhood memory memory relating to drawing/art that you hold dear?When I was younger my dad, brother and I used to watch Art Attack on Disney and then attempt the craft projects after.Where do you live now and what drew you there?I live in Brisbane, Australia. I love being surrounded by my friends and family.Describe your studio for usMy studio is in my apartment, I have a big wooden desk and a painting my dad did of John Lennon hanging above it, along with a framed line of text that reads ‘Don’t over think it’Do you have any studio pets?Yes! He is a Shiba Inu named Tofu, who roams the apartment and often distracts me with toys.Describe the view from your windowMy view is my little courtyard that looks out onto a main road, nothing special but it’s home.Who or What is your biggest inspiration?My dad, he was an art director, and always pushed me to try new mediums and explore creativity.How do you get your ideas?If I’m brainstorming for a specific project I like to write down related words or funny sayings which can often spark ideas. I also love flipping through fashion magazines or creating a moodboard.Do you collect anything?Notebooks and stationery that I never finish!Do you keep a Scrapbook? Only a million Pinterest boards.What are your interests outside of illustration?I like going to gigs, sharing food with friends and seeing how many tv shows I can binge.What is the first record you bought?A Hilary Duff CD I can’t remember the name of...Tell us about a favourite project you’ve recently completedI recently painted a Taco Bell Mural in one of their restaurants on the Gold Coast, it was challenging but very rewarding to see my art in a larger scale.What would be your dream job/commission?I would love to work with a fashion or beauty brand to create large scale stickers or decals for an event.Why is illustration such a powerful medium?I like that there are so many different styles and niches of illustration and that there's a place for everyone.If you were not an illustrator, what would you be? Graphic Designer :)Would you still illustrate if you were stranded alone on a desert island?If I had food and water, yes, what a nice holiday.What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?Clear is Kind! It’s a Brené Brown quote that my friend said once and it has stuck with me.Do you have a method for dealing with the feeling of having no ideas?I like to talk to a friend about it and bounce ideas if I’m stuck. Or take a break and have a coffee.If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?Japan, I’ve been before but I found it so inspiring and full of life.If you could live anywhere, where would it be?It has always been a dream of mine to live in New York for a year.If money were no object, would you continue to illustrate?Yes, I have been drawing almost all my life and I can’t see myself ever stopping.If you could travel back in time, who would be the one person you would want to meet and why?Stan Lee or Jack Kirby, although I’m not visually influenced by comicbook art I would love to be a fly on the wall during the peak of their writing and creativity.