Meet Sen Ho

We were lucky to catch up with Sen Ho recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sen, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room who looked like me often made me question if I belonged, especially in art spaces where everyone around me seemed to have a clear and shared vision, often rooted in concept art and video games. I used to chase that path too, believing success meant working for my dream game companies, just like my peers. But over time, I realized that vision wasn’t mine, it was something my younger self clung to because it was the only form of “creative success” I saw modeled.

I grew up in Singapore, where there was a heavy emphasis on STEM fields. Creative careers were often dismissed, and it was hard for people to believe that art could lead to any kind of success. Choosing to pursue art felt like going against the grain. I had to break free from that mindset by following my passions and learning to be myself, even when others couldn’t see the value in it. That decision wasn’t easy, but it taught me early on how to stand firm in my convictions, even if I was the only one doing so.

As I grew more connected to my own experiences, spending time with friends and engaging with life offline, my art began to reflect who I was, not who I was trying to become. It shifted from fantasy worlds to personal narratives, and in that shift, I found my voice.

Being the only one in the room taught me that difference can be a compass. Instead of hiding it, I leaned into it. I stopped trying to mold myself to fit others’ visions and started building my own. That mindset of grounding my creativity in authenticity has made me more confident, more resilient, and more effective in every room I step into.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I was born in Singapore but have had the privilege of calling many places home, including England, Malaysia, and the United States. These diverse experiences have shaped my worldview and deeply influence my creative process.

As an illustrator, I draw inspiration from real-life moments, which gives my work a grounded and authentic quality. I focus on capturing the essence of environments, whether it’s the vibrant energy of a crowded city street or the quiet intimacy of a private space. My illustrations are a reflection of the emotions tied to these moments, conveying a sense of place that feels both personal and universal.

Currently, I specialize in editorial and advertising illustration, where I blend storytelling with design to bring ideas to life in dynamic, visually compelling ways. I’m passionate about creating work that resonates emotionally, whether it’s a vibrant visual narrative for a magazine or a thought-provoking image for a campaign.

I’m moving to New York soon, hoping to really kickstart my creative career and one day own a creative studio where I can empower aspiring artists to find their own voice.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Throughout my journey, I’ve had many experiences that have shaped who I am today. The most important of these has been being surrounded by people who uplift and inspire me to be a better version of myself every day. I owe a great deal to my friends, who have acted as mentors, inspirations, and pillars of support. They’ve pushed me through tough times and fueled many of the creative decisions I’ve made along the way. Without them, I wouldn’t have discovered my deep love for life, which drives my desire to create meaningful emotional connections with my audience.

For those starting out, my advice is simple: surround yourself with people who lift you up and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. Don’t view your friends solely as professional connections, but as individuals you want to keep in your life for the long haul. The people you choose to spend time with can have a profound impact on your outlook and your creativity. So, be intentional about the relationships you cultivate, choose those who inspire happiness and bring out the best in you. Even when life gets too busy, don’t forget to spend time with those you cherish.

Another crucial skill in my arsenal has been staying curious and being open to learning. There were times in my career when I felt satisfied with where I was, and looking back, I realize that comfort was the enemy of my growth. There’s always so much more to learn, experience, and explore. We often don’t realize how much the world has to offer until we open ourselves up to it. I owe a lot to my friend who took me to my first rave, it took a lot of convincing but looking back I couldn’t be more grateful, he really opened my eyes to stepping out my comfort zone.

Let the experiences of your life fuel your curiosity and your willingness to learn. Inspiration doesn’t come from endlessly scrolling through media or staying in your comfort zone. It can be found in the small moments like taking a walk in the park, listening to a new genre of music, or simply trying something unfamiliar. Every new experience has the potential to inspire, so embrace the unknown and let your curiosity guide you forward. Letting life be your guide has been one of my best teachers.

Last but definitely not least; take care of yourself! There have been too many times when I got lost in the hustle and lost track of why I started in the first place. Rest is just as important as hard work. I used to think that the only way to improve was to grind nonstop, and as a result, I focused so much on honing my technical skills that I ended up burnt out. It drained my motivation and left me struggling to create meaningful work.

My advice is simple, remember to take time for yourself. Take yourself out on a date, visit a coffee shop, or just sit back and soak in the world around you. It’s essential to step away from the work and recharge. You’ll come back with a clearer mind, a refreshed spirit, and renewed inspiration.

Even though honing technical ability plays a crucial role in becoming a skilled artist, I can’t emphasize enough that it’s not the only thing that matters. The pursuit of technical perfection can easily become overwhelming, and I’ve learned that pushing yourself too hard in this area without taking time to step back can actually hinder your progress. Growth isn’t just about improving your craft, it’s about nurturing your creativity, your well-being, and your passion for what you do. A balanced approach helps you keep the fire alive and ensures you can maintain the energy needed to keep improving in the long run.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

I’ve seen a lot of change in myself this past year, and it’s funny because some of my friends say they can’t even remember the person I was before then! I used to live a lot of my life behind a computer screen, immersed in the virtual world. In many ways, it was a form of escapism for me, a way to disconnect from the challenges of reality and create a world where I felt more in control. But, as time went on, I realized that this wasn’t a sustainable way to live, and it began to feel more isolating than fulfilling.

It wasn’t until my friends helped me step out of my shell that I realized how much I had been holding myself back. They encouraged me to experience life beyond the screen, and for the first time, I really began to understand the joy of living in the moment. I discovered how refreshing it was to connect with people in person, share experiences, and truly be present.

Having such a supportive group of friends who loved me as much as I loved them made me realize the power of relationships in shaping who we are. They didn’t just offer me advice, they helped me rebuild my sense of self by showing me the value of balance, of stepping away from the digital world and my work, and embracing the richness of life. It was like rediscovering a part of me that I had long forgotten, and in doing so, I was able to bring a fresh perspective into my work and creativity.

This transformation wasn’t just about breaking free from the virtual world; it was about finding a healthy connection between my passions, my relationships, and my well-being. It’s been a year of growth, and I’m grateful for the changes I’ve made. Looking back, I can see how much more alive I feel, both personally and creatively, and how much more meaningful my experiences have become. In turn, my work has never been better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://senho.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sen_sketches/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sen-ho-b8373b236/
• Twitter: https://x.com/SuiSenHo1