Here at Kemi Telford, we love showcasing women who bring colour and creativity into our world. For this Spotlight series, I am want you to meet Gigi Thanawongrat, the brilliant illustrator behind @handmadebygigi. Gigi's work celebrates bold prints, intricate textures, and powerful feminine energy. Drawing from her love of African patterns, Gigi creates joyful illustrations that is full of colour and life. Her ability to blend fashion and art into a collage has made her a standout talent, and we are so excited to share her story with you.
Please tell us a bit about yourself and how you started in illustration.
Hello, I'm Gigi. I'm a fashion illustrator, originally from Thailand, and I now live in Bangkok. My illustration journey began with a hobby, making paper collages from fashion magazines, which I greatly enjoyed. After that, I began creating digital fashion collages, too. Polyvore, an online playground for fashion collage-making, inspired me to start my Instagram account, @handmadebyGigi. I started sharing my art just for fun. A turning point came when a buyer from a multi-label store stumbled upon my work—then offered me the opportunity to create an advertorial for a fashion magazine. That's when my illustration career started.
What inspires your unique style, particularly your love for bold prints?
My fascination with bold African prints comes from my childhood experiences. My mom, who lived for many years in Ghana, filled her home in Thailand with treasures from Africa. Fabrics such as Ankara and batik fabrics, wooden masks, and paintings come straight from the hands of African artists. Seeing all of this sparked my interest in African style. This inspired me to embrace the unique patterns and vibrant colours of African prints. As a result, African art and fashion continue to play a significant role in shaping my preferences and influencing my creative work.
How do you approach a new design project? Could you walk us through your creative process?
I first dive into their story and vision to create artwork for my clients. Understanding what they would like to express is crucial. Then, I will research and gather visual references that match their brief. These images become the building blocks for my digital collage, which helps me bring their story to life visually. Throughout the creative process, I experiment with composition, scale and colour palettes to produce playful, lively and colourful designs. That is to capture attention and effectively convey the client's message. Ultimately, I aim to deliver artwork that exceeds and satisfies my client's expectations.
Can you share some of the most memorable projects you've worked on, especially those with Kemi Telford?
The fun I've had with Kemi Telford! Their dresses are like wearable happiness, and I can't help but smile with joy whenever I wear them. I've even drawn them into my illustrations because they're just that awesome! Seeing my artwork on their Instagram and printed on postcards was like a dream come true! It was playful, it was exciting, and it was downright fabulous.
What role does your Thai background play in your work, if any?
Not a lot, really. Personal interests influence my creative process. Therefore, my Thai background doesn't directly influence my work. My artistic style and inspiration are drawn from various sources and experiences.
How do you stay motivated and creative, especially during challenging times?
For me, it's about never giving up on my passion. Even when things get tough, I cling to that belief. If I feel down, I take a break and do things that give me joy, like exploring art exhibitions, sharing meals with friends or staying active. Being around inspiring people is key. Whether it's collaborating with others or simply observing passionate people doing what they love, their dedication gives me the energy to create art that inspires others, too. So, even in tough times, I find motivation by holding onto what I love.
Are there any specific artists or illustrators who have influenced your work?
I greatly admire many artists who use vibrant colours. For example, Henri Matisse, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Picasso are among those whose use of colour I find particularly inspiring. I've always been drawn to colour, and their bold and expressive use of hues resonates with me. My appreciation of vibrant colours inspired me to create a lively and colourful collage.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with brands like Kemi Telford?
Collaborating with Kemi Telford gives me the freedom and fun to create in my unique way. I was blending my love for African prints and fashion into a collage. And to know that we're spreading joy and making a positive impact fills my heart with joy. It's truly fulfilling to be part of a brand that values artistry, craftsmanship and timeless fashion. I'm deeply honoured to be part of such a wonderful community.
Could you describe a recent project that you're particularly proud of?
I'm really proud to have exhibited my art at the International Interactive Festival of Contemporary Art (ARTLIFE 2022) in Moscow. It was my first exhibition, and I showcased my fashion illustrations alongside artists worldwide. One of the pieces I displayed was a handmade collage from a fashion magazine. This experience meant a lot to me because it showed me that following my passion is worth it, even though it's not always easy. Getting positive feedback from people who saw my work was incredibly uplifting. Stepping out of my comfort zone made me grow and reinforced my belief that dedicating myself to what I love is worthwhile.
What advice would you give aspiring illustrators, especially those who want to develop their unique style?
I believe that being true to yourself is vital to developing a unique style.
Embrace who you are, your soul, and what you enjoy and value without trying to conform to external expectations. When you express yourself authentically and genuinely, your unique personality shines through in everything you do, including your artistic style. Moreover, take creative risks and experiment with different techniques without fear of judgment. This freedom allows you to discover new approaches. Finally, the consistency is key. Building your style requires patience and dedication. For that reason, consistent effort will lead to improvement and result in progress.
You can connect with Gigi on Instagram.
Her website is here
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