a chinwag with kitana ink

We’re pretty much in love with the super cute new frankie fellows subscriber-only card that came with issue 131! We had a chat with artist Kitana Ink (@kitana.ink.studio) a Melbourne-based creative who captures the feeling of growing up in a second-generation immigrant household through playful works that feel equal parts nostalgic and comforting. Her frankie card is inspired by the warmth, togetherness and chatter of being with family, centered around eating and drinking. 

Tell us a little about your creative style. I think of my art as an extension of myself and who I am as a person. I express myself through my work and draw upon nostalgic experiences to create whimsical and bright art. 

When did you begin making art? I’ve been creating art since primary school, attending cartoon drawing classes, painting during weekends, doodling and drawing characters. Growing up in a study-focused household, art was something I always came back to. It was a form of self expression and escape from everyday life.

How did your artwork (now featured as a frankie card!) come to be? This piece is inspired by the feeling of sipping jasmine tea and yum cha with my family. It’s something I would never do alone, where the act of being with special people is what makes the experience beautiful and fulfilling. It’s not the act of drinking the tea that makes you feel full but the act of being. Something I wouldn’t drink alone, but is more fulfilling and delicious when surrounded by family and delicious food. Feeling full? 

Where do you find inspiration and creative motivation? Most of my inspiration comes from my childhood, specifically my experience growing up as a second-generation immigrant in an Asian household. More recently I’ve found inspiration in my everyday life, sitting in nature and swimming in the ocean. My motivation to create ebbs and flows but I find by surrounding myself with talented and creative friends I have more drive to work alongside them.

What’s next on your ‘to-create’ list? I would love to dive further into what I’ve been creating, making more stickers sheets, prints and posters to sell at my markets. However, I would also love to expand my horizons and try new art forms. I want to create more sculptural pieces and bring my characters to life.

You can find more of Kitana Ink's work on her website and Instagram (@kitana.ink.studio.)