Hello there, I am Somewan or

Tengwan Quek

About me

Hi there, I am a freelance illustrator with a strong background in tech and products. With 10 years of experience in the design industry, I am passionate in finding effective ways to connect ideas, imagination and emotions on a canvas. On the side, I love everything cats, maps, architecture, trees, mountains and fascinated by all kind of miniature models.

Currently, I am represented globally for illustration work by The Different Folk.

Clients

Interested to collaborate together?

Get in touch

Experiences

Independent Freelance Illustrator • Self-employed

2018 – Present

Going solo to hone my craft and illustrate. Represented by The Different Folk in 2021.

Product Illustrator (Freelance) • Grab

2019 – Present

Supports Design Ops team and UI/UX designers on product illustration and help contribute to the current design systems.

Senior Product Designer • Zendesk

2012 – 2018

Worked closely with product managers, engineers, UX researcher and the global creative team to grow design through iterations, ideation and user validation.

Illustrator/Art Director (Freelance)

2009 – 2015

Notably, illustrated, researched and compiled a bilingual book on preserving "Vanishing Crafts" and "Vanishing Materials", led by Prof. Jesvin Yeo.

View more on LinkedIn

Recognition

Artists for climate 2021

Selected artist

K-Design Award 2017

Silver Winner, Vanishing Crafts

Reddot Award 2016

Communication Design, Publication, Vanishing Materials

iF Design Award 2016

Publishing, Vanishing Craft

Crowbar Award 2013

Bronze, Editorial Publication ADM Show 2012

Crowbar Award 2012

Finalist, Editorial Publication, Rebirth

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Visual Communication

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Diploma in Industrial Design

Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore