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Bitter humor from an introvert: Designer-illustrator Fandy Susanto talks debut exhibit
With a dislike for confrontation, Fandy Susanto uses simple and raw illustrations to criticize the social values of those around him, while also confronting his own psyche.
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Outlet: Fandy Susanto began drawing to blow off his creative steam between his work as a graphic designer as an outlet for his thoughts and frustrations. (Courtesy of Fandy Susanto) (Personal collection/Courtesy of Fandy Susanto)
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em>With a dislike for confrontation, Fandy Susanto uses simple and raw illustrations to criticize the social values of those around him, while also confronting his own psyche.
Fandy Susanto has spent more than a decade grinding it out as a graphic designer, crafting brand communication and personality based on the briefs given to him with no particular style. If his client likes it, then it is a success. However, a few years ago, inspired by The New Yorker editorial illustrations, the Swinburne University graduate began to draw something for himself after work or during breaks as an outlet for his thoughts and frustrations.
“When I had something on my mind or was irritated about someone or something, I always kept it to myself, and I know that’s not healthy,” the 38-year-old said. “I used to write, but I found my writing to be cheesy, so drawing has been a really helpful way for me to vent.”
As someone who is not particularly confrontational, Fandy uses his drawings to respond to his situation and environment. Aside from using his own personal struggles and anxiety as a source of inspiration, he also focuses a lot on the relational aspects of urban society, the subconscious of the human mind and how we perceive each other.
“Looking at social media, there are a lot of small things that people do that I find weird, and even offensive, like someone who is everywhere and goes to every social event out there,” he said. “I often draw ladders to represent social climbers and tongues because I hate [sycophants.]”
“I can’t confront them because it’s not really my problem and I hate drama and confrontations,” he added.
