Singaporean Entrepreneurs

THE REASON
Charline Fabry (aka Mad’moiselle C., Graphic designer ~ illustrator) came to Singapore in 2005 when her husband had to move here. When she first arrived, she continued to work on projects coming from France since her work is digital and can move at internet speed wherever fiber optics and undersea cables are laid. In fact, she was even able to prepare an exhibition in Paris.

THE LEG WORK
She also had time to discover Singapore and to check out the arts scene here. To do this, Charline went around conducting different interviews and meeting various graphic designers for a full six months. Her conclusion: the art market in Singapore is just beginning whereas it is already a veritable institution in Paris. What does this mean? For an artist like her, and for many artists here indeed, “You really have a chance to express your art!” The evolution, she observed, even just in the last 2 years, has been very palpable. From the opening of new art fairs and specialty markets as well as niche art shops.

THE FIRST BREAK
One of the first markets to give Charline a chance to show off her work in Singapore was
MAAD (Market of Artists and Designers). It is held the first weekend of every month. “It’s a very good opportunity to sell all sort of creations, meet artists and exchange ideas. I try to participate as often as I can but during the last 6 months, I was very busy. Thanks to this market, I have met many fashion designers and have worked with them to create a logo for their brand, or some people who had a good idea of what they wanted (a painting for a special occasion, a drawing, a soft toy).”

Another venue that has been very supportive of Charline’s work is Creative Escape (an art center). They gave her the chance to do her first solo exhibition in Singapore. “It is a
wonderful place, they are so nice. I am thinking about new projects with them because they are very positive and encourage me with new ideas.” She has had as many Singaporean as expatriate customers.

HOW SINGAPORE HAS INFLUENCED HER ART

Singapore herself has also given Charline art juice, and since her daily routine here is quite different from France, her artwork is most influenced by the everyday, mundane things. She leaves notes and illustrations of this in her blog which she updates several times a week. Unfortunately, for most Singaporeans, its in a language most of us don’t understand. Although, the artwork in itself is amusing enough!

“I have a project of a book about the life of ‘Mlle C. in Singapore’. I am still thinking of it, to find the best design for it.”

EASY TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR IN SINGAPORE
Working as a freelancer in Singapore is much easier than in France where “you have so many papers to fill. It’s very complicated. So when I arrived and I knew how to work here, I was very surprised and so happy by the simplicity.”

What she has found most difficult is curtailing her artistic temperament for doing the banal. “For me, to be organised everyday, to write everything, orders, bills…etc., that is difficult. But my husband is behind me to remind me that this is part of my job!!” (Exasperated exclamation points are by Charline)

HOW TO CONTACT CHARLINE
“What I like about my job is that it’s always different. You can never be bored. I work as an illustrator, a graphic designer and an art teacher.”

Projects you can contact her include:
a) designing logos, fashion or soft toys,
b) art & craft lessons,
c) painting, drawing
d) children’s illustrations (for books, bags, boxes, etc.)
e) “If you have any art project, do not hesitate to contact me and let’s talk about it over a cup of coffee!”

Email: charlinefabry@hotmail.com
For Art Lessons: create@creative-escape.com.sg
Websites: http://www.mlle-c.com ; http://www.creative-escape.com.sg
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If you are a Singaporean entrepreneur (based anywhere in the world) or an entrepreneur in Singapore who would like to be featured, please do not hesitate to contact us: fantastic.company@gmail.com