Meet Tete Song

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tete Song. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tete below.

Hi Tete, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.

I once heard a sharp but undeniably true saying: Amateurs rely on inspiration, while professionals show up and do the work. I couldn’t agree more. Creativity blocks are real—I’ve hit them plenty of times myself. But more often than not, I think they come down to simply not spending enough time creating.
Two animators I really admire, Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon, were known for their relentless work ethic. They’d arrive early at their studios, sit down, and immerse themselves in their work for hours on end. That kind of dedication speaks volumes.
That said, I’m not suggesting people should become workaholics. It’s just that instead of getting frustrated over a lack of talent, we often just need to give ourselves more time to grow. To me, the best way to break through a creative block is simple: stay in the chair and keep going. Focus, put in the hours, and push through—because that’s how real progress happens.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m an illustrator and woodworker with a degree in Illustration from ArtCenter, but my creative journey actually began with writing—I also have a background in screenwriting.
With my brand, tete, I create wooden pieces like decorative art, coasters, fridge magnets, and brooches. But beyond the craftsmanship, storytelling is at the heart of my work. I love using wood as a medium to bring narrative-driven illustrations to life. Its warm tones and smooth texture perfectly match the cozy, whimsical feel I strive to create.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I believe the most valuable skills aren’t technical but soft skills.
1. Taking Risks
Without taking risks, I never would have had the courage to switch from writing to illustration to woodworking. Every decision was tough, but each step brought me closer to where I want to be. Stability is comforting, but if you can’t handle uncertainty, you’ll miss out on the rewards of taking a leap.
2. Knowing Your Strengths
Instead of fixing every weakness, I believe in maximizing strengths—unless a skill is essential for your career. The sooner you recognize what doesn’t come naturally to you, the less time you’ll waste struggling. Channel your energy into what you truly enjoy and do best, and you’ll find a clearer direction and an easier career path.
3. Lifelong Learning
I have a wide range of interests—from crafts like glasswork and botanical dyeing to software like Blender and AI. For entrepreneurship, content creation and Shopify are on my list. Curiosity is my greatest strength, and I genuinely enjoy the process of diving into new things.
Without significant startup capital, I wouldn’t have pursued entrepreneurship if I weren’t willing to learn as I go. That’s why, to me, lifelong learning is the most important skill of all.
Beyond that, there are still things I’m working on—like putting myself out there more, showcasing my work, and actively seeking collaborations. These skills matter just as much, and I’m striving to get better at them every day.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m looking for a reliable and experienced art agent to help secure commercial opportunities that align with my work and assist with social media promotion. Ideally, she would have a background in business and a strong passion for creating meaningful, mutually beneficial collaborations. My goal is to find a long-term partner to grow and succeed with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tetestudio.shop
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tetecrafts
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azaleasong/