Andrew Tan: Embracing Creativity, Reflection, and Tools — S1/E5

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Tan, a freelance illustrator, art teacher, and creator of Drewscape, to discuss his journey from daydreaming about being a business major to becoming an independent illustrator in Singapore. We dig into how his years as an advertising art director shaped his approach to working with clients, his love of vintage fountain pens, the push-and-pull between analog and digital tools, and what he’s learned about confidence, contrast, and giving yourself permission to be imperfect. Running Order Introduction and Andrew's journey from YouTube rabbit holes to professional illustration The significance of sketching as a reflection tool and its flexibility How culture and background influence Andrew's artistic path in Singapore and America Transitioning from art direction to independent freelancing How Andrew's art direction experience shapes his illustration work Insights into Andrew's tools: vintage fountain pens, monoprints, and more The impact of storyboarding and speed training in Andrew's skillset Effects of the pandemic on Andrew's professional projects and his COVID Chronicle series Cultural perspectives on comics and visual storytelling in Asia and Singapore Changing perceptions of comics from kids' entertainment to sophisticated storytelling mediums Favorite tools: iPad Pro, Procreate, and challenges with digital vs. traditional mediums Embracing imperfections and the psychology of confident drawing Techniques for sketching and illustration workflow, combining paper and iPad Practical tips for visual thinkers in a creative rut: spontaneity, contrast, and permission Connecting with Andrew: YouTube, website, and ongoing courses Resources & Links Drewscape — YouTube Drewscape — Website and Blog Andrew's Skillshare Courses Procreate Adobe Illustrator Greg Minuskin Vintage Fountain Pens Monoprint Techniques — Overview Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Video Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from a trip, using only photos and memories you already have? In this 2-hour recorded video replay, I walk you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes, then guide you through your own photos and memories so you can do the same for your trips. You'll also get a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates to help you get started. The full video replay and templates are just $20. https://rohdesign.com/travel Subscribe to the Sketchnote PodcastYou can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.Support the PodcastTo support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab