Today, let us take you up-close and personal with aspiring local artist Tobyato.
We all know who Tobyato is – local up and rising visual artist who has dabbled in collaborations with Shake Shack, G-Shock and Asics on top of his personal projects such as his Stencil Parties. We had the opportunity to catch Tobyato for a casual chat on how he brings his ideas to life.
Rise & Shine! How does your morning routine go?
Tobyato: I work according to my own schedule so there’s no fixed routine. When I don’t have work, I’d invite my friends to go on a morning jog with so that I can get an early start to the day.
Talk about how the early bird catches the worm huh!
It’s lunchtime! What is your go-to meal?
Tobyato: Definitely Encik Tan! Or any hawker centre actually. I’m super low SES one. So char siew shao rou rice and a hot teh c kosong is the way to go.
I also prefer cutting my hair at home and donning on simple and casual fits. This saves me time which I can use to spend on things that matter.
Tobyato on his indifference to outer appearances so as to focus 100% on his passion
What do you think of the mural design that’s printed and not handcrafted like some of your more recent productions?
Tobyato: Hmm, I personally feel that the meaning behind this has a stronger standpoint as it takes more effort for brands to develop something around eco-friendliness. Today’s mural design says a lot about the climate.
To those who are unfamiliar with my work, I’d say that this artwork represents how we are all tied together on this Earth. The shoelace design represents how JD ties everything together through the campaign.
Tobyato on the inspiration behind his #ECOHOOLAH JD Sports Mural
Moving on! Of all your projects so far, do you have any personal favourites?
Tobyato: Hmm, probably my stencil party because it’s my personal project that I’ve came up with and it’s very accessible to the public. It doesn’t have to only be in an art gallery so there isn’t a barrier between for people to appreciate art. For example, if you see the deer in today’s mural, it’s a deer. But if you see it as interconnectedness between the Earth and the people living on it, then that’s what it is.
I want to deliver art where there’re no right or wrong answers.
Tobyato on making art accessible to everyone, young and old
How is it like working in this industry?
Tobyato: It does get a little tiring covering every aspect of my job from top to bottom: HR, PR, marketing, product design etc. But also because of that, I do have the flexibility to plan and organise my own time. Pursuing my hobby as a career does come with a price though. I experienced a burnout late last year which I am still recovering from.
We’ve come to the end of the day, how do you wind-down before bedtime?
Tobyato: I work and then, I go to sleep. Most people have a hobby to engage in as a form of me time before they end the day. I get to skip this step because I get to work on my hobby for work!
Finally, do you have any words of advice for aspiring creatives in the local scene?
Tobyato: Collaborate. And value your friends and colleagues while you still can. Running this business on my own really made me realise that there is a lot of value in doing things with others such as more opportunities being present. It gets lonely when you’re working alone despite having full reign of control over my own schedule and I do enjoy working with others. So yes, collaborate!
And that is why we are able to see today’s mural design at JD Sports at Bugis+ titled We are all tied together, my deer.
Catch Tobyato in this collaboration with #ECOHOOLAH and JD Sports till 31st May! Snap a photo and upload onto your Stories with the #ECOHOOLAH and tag @hoolahco and @jdsportssg to win $100 and a limited edition Tobyato keepsake.
Plus, the first 150 to pay with hoolah at any JD Sports outlet islandwide will get a sick Tobyato keepsake too!
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