GET TO KNOW CHOMPOONOOT ‘MIG’ CHOMPOORATH, THE UNIVERSITY LECTURER AND ILLUSTRATOR WHO EXPRESSES HERSELF THROUGH PICTURES THAT WERE ALWAYS CREATED WITH FUN AND RELAXING

TEXT & IMAGE COURTESY OF MIG_MIG

(For Thai, press here)

WHO

Chompoonoot Chompoorath (mig) | mig_mig

WHAT

Freelance illustrator / full time lecturer (Faculty of Architecture, Chiang Mai University – ARCH CMU). Currently, I’m working on a project with friends to transform our research work into fun, accessible media under the name ‘Research Playground’ (please follow us!)

WHEN

I’ve always enjoyed drawing casually, but I began drawing seriously while working full-time as an architect and doing freelance architectural work on the side. I found it very tiring, so I started looking for something fun and relaxing to do.

WHERE

I was born in Chiang Mai, graduated there, and then went on to study in Kyoto, Japan. Now, I’m back in Chiang Mai.

WHY

I’m not very good at speaking (haha), but I find drawing fun. I thought that expressing myself through pictures would suit me best. Over time, as I kept drawing, people began to take an interest and gave me opportunities to work. It feels rewarding to start being able to make it a profession.

How would you describe your work?

At this time, my style is probably simple black and white line drawings with some detailed parts and a bit of color, something like that. There’s not much of a fixed principle to it.

What is your inspiration and guiding principle for each creation?

Actually, it started with the feeling that I enjoy drawing and I wanted my work to be presented in various places. So, most of my inspiration comes from the work I get. Sometimes, I just feel like drawing something, like when I watch a movie and get inspired, or see something and want to draw it. There aren’t really any formal principles involved. I just observe and draw until I feel satisfied and like what I see, and that’s enough for me.

What project are you most proud of?

It’s a small book (zine) that compiles comic works by four illustrators in the ‘COMIX2 – 4 short stories’ exhibition at ONDO Gallery in Tokyo, Japan. It exceeded my expectations, and I’m very happy that my work was included in a volume alongside Japanese artists. It was printed and sold in Japan using the risograph printing system. We matched the print colors with the thread used for binding the book,which turned out quite lovely.

Which stage of the design process do you like the most?

I like the part after the initial sketch is done and I start adding details. It begins to look like the work is nearing completion, and I get to see if I like how it’s turning out.

If you could invite a ‘creative’ to coffee, who would you invite and why?

Can I pick two people, please? haha. Tonkla (wednesdaynight) and Fujii Kaze. Lately, when I draw, I often listen to these two. Drawing while listening to Tonkla talk about ghost stories or listening to my favorite songs makes the process such a great time. If possible, I’d love to meet both of them.

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