Meet Cynthia Soe | Designer & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Soe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia, why did you pursue a creative career?
It took me a lot of courage and perseverance to pursue a career as an artist. It is always a risk to follow a creative path. However, drawing and creating was all I ever wanted to do as a child. I felt as if my mind was filled with so many visuals and imaginations that I needed to draw them out. I would look through children’s book illustrations, gaze at billboards and try to study the pattern designs on buildings. I knew my passion lies in the arts. I can see myself drawing and animating everyday and be happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always felt like I was the odd one out most of my life. I loved storytelling and believed animation to be magical but I never knew that I could have a career in the field. Growing up in Myanmar, I felt restricted with little knowledge on the technological aspects in the art field. I was lucky enough to earn my undergraduate degree in animation. After uncertainty hit the world with a global pandemic and political uncertainty in my country, I felt so unmotivated. However, I told myself to keep working, to learn and create. I am currently in the process of earning my Masters of Arts in motion media design at SCAD. I would say that I am one of the lucky ones to be able to achieve my dreams and do what I love. My work is a mix of whimsical color and graphic shapes where I like to also explore darker tones and emotions. I hope anyone who is deciding to pursue an artistic career does not feel discouraged and to keep pushing through. We have to keep on learning and growing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Forsyth Park in Savannah is a must see spot! I would plan a nice picnic there. You can watch the sunset and people watch while you nimble on sandwiches. After that you can go cafe hopping around downtown. My current go to is an Iced Americano at Franklin’s or the Paris Market. I think a good cup of coffee or tea will help re-energize you. Savannah is very peaceful and there is always something interesting to look at in every corner. River street is another great place to visit, especially at night. The view of the Savannah river with the lights is breathtaking.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my grandaunt who inspired me to take a leap in the art field. I am thankful that I have someone like her to look up to as she broke out of the typical asian stereotype and became an artist herself. I am also grateful to my friends and family who have always supported me throughout my journey as well. Without any of the people who made me believe in myself, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: www.cynthiasoe.com

Instagram: cyn_imagines

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/theint-cynthia-soe