Debbie Tea
We had the pleasure of meeting Indonesian illustrator Debbie Tea. In our conversation with her, we found out more about her projects and tried to answer the question: ‘What if a chair had another purpose that we don't know about yet?’ To learn more, read on here!
Hi Debbie, tell us who you are and how your passion for your art come about?
Hi! My name is Debbie Tea, I'm an illustrator based in Jakarta, Indonesia. I initially pursued a degree in fine arts photography, but after graduation, I took a complete break from it and eventually found my way back to my childhood love of drawing. To my surprise, my illustrations started gaining more attention on social media, and soon enough, people were reaching out to me for commissions! It's been an exciting journey with its share of challenges, but I'm truly enjoying every moment of it.
I find faces particularly intriguing and enjoy exploring the overall appearance of various creatures.
What’s the job you are most proud of? Can you tell us an episode related to this work that has particularly stuck with you?
I’ve been exploring NFTs for about a year and a half now, and I'm super proud of my PFP project, 'JPG PEOPLE', which was launched in December 2021. I was lucky enough to have the support of Gaspack, my team, who helped me with all of the coding and other technical aspects needed to bring the project to life. Our project is a word-based AI-generated NFT, which means that when you mint, you can enter a phrase, and our 'Artificial Brain' will use that message to create a JPG person. Additionally, the AI is capable of detecting facial expressions that match the emotions behind your sentence, and sometimes even includes matching items or traits based on the message. Our goal was to create an art project, and we never expected it to sell out all 8,888 NFTs. However, the word spread quickly after our launch, and we were sold out within just two days. I'll never forget the moment when some of our most notable collectors, such as XCOPY, Des Lucréce, Gary Vee, Bryan Brinkman, Misan Harriman, Amber Vittoria, and others, minted them and shared them on social media. I’ve never received so many notifications and DMs in my life (Laughs, E.D). I worked incredibly hard on this project, spending about a month working tirelessly without much sleep. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved, and I couldn't have done it without the endless support of the Gaspack team. Without a doubt, this project and the moment it represents will be forever etched in my memory.
Where do you get your inspiration for creating your work?
Ever since I was a kid, I've been infatuated with role-playing games (RPGs), and they’ve been a significant source of inspiration for my creativity. The immersive stories, stunning graphics, and thrilling gameplay have all contributed to my creative process. While these have played a crucial role, my work stems from my life experiences, the people I’ve met, and the little things that’s left a lasting impression on me. This blend of external inspiration and personal reflection is what makes my body of work.
Which subject do you love illustrating the most and which do you love the least?
I've always loved illustrating characters and objects, whether they're everyday items or something more unusual. I find faces particularly intriguing and enjoy exploring the overall appearance of various creatures. When it comes to objects, I like toying with the idea of them having potential beyond their everyday use. For example, What if a chair had another purpose that we haven't discovered yet, or if inanimate objects came from different planets with unique cultures? On the other hand, I’ve given drawing landscapes so many shots, but its never quite clicked with me for some reason! I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe it's because they're so breathtakingly beautiful that I can't do them justice on paper (Laughs, E.D). However, I absolutely adore taking in the real thing, especially sunsets and the ocean.
What’s the job you are most proud of? Can you tell us an episode related to this work that has particularly stuck with you?
I’ve been exploring NFTs for about a year and a half now, and I'm super proud of my PFP project, 'JPG PEOPLE', which was launched in December 2021. I was lucky enough to have the support of Gaspack, my team, who helped me with all of the coding and other technical aspects needed to bring the project to life. Our project is a word-based AI-generated NFT, which means that when you mint, you can enter a phrase, and our 'Artificial Brain' will use that message to create a JPG person. Additionally, the AI is capable of detecting facial expressions that match the emotions behind your sentence, and sometimes even includes matching items or traits based on the message. Our goal was to create an art project, and we never expected it to sell out all 8,888 NFTs. However, the word spread quickly after our launch, and we were sold out within just two days. I'll never forget the moment when some of our most notable collectors, such as XCOPY, Des Lucréce, Gary Vee, Bryan Brinkman, Misan Harriman, Amber Vittoria, and others, minted them and shared them on social media. I’ve never received so many notifications and DMs in my life (Laughs, E.D). I worked incredibly hard on this project, spending about a month working tirelessly without much sleep. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved, and I couldn't have done it without the endless support of the Gaspack team. Without a doubt, this project and the moment it represents will be forever etched in my memory.
Where do you get your inspiration for creating your work?
Ever since I was a kid, I've been infatuated with role-playing games (RPGs), and they’ve been a significant source of inspiration for my creativity. The immersive stories, stunning graphics, and thrilling gameplay have all contributed to my creative process. While these have played a crucial role, my work stems from my life experiences, the people I’ve met, and the little things that’s left a lasting impression on me. This blend of external inspiration and personal reflection is what makes my body of work.
Which subject do you love illustrating the most and which do you love the least?
I've always loved illustrating characters and objects, whether they're everyday items or something more unusual. I find faces particularly intriguing and enjoy exploring the overall appearance of various creatures. When it comes to objects, I like toying with the idea of them having potential beyond their everyday use. For example, What if a chair had another purpose that we haven't discovered yet, or if inanimate objects came from different planets with unique cultures? On the other hand, I’ve given drawing landscapes so many shots, but its never quite clicked with me for some reason! I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe it's because they're so breathtakingly beautiful that I can't do them justice on paper (Laughs, E.D). However, I absolutely adore taking in the real thing, especially sunsets and the ocean.
Our project is a word-based AI-generated NFT, which means that when you mint, you can enter a phrase, and our 'Artificial Brain' will use that message to create a JPG person.
Do you prefer colour or black and white?
I love both! I think it all comes down to what I want to convey through my artwork.
TheCorner.com deals with fashion, what’s your relationship with fashion? Is there a look you just can't give up?
I've always loved dressing up and experimenting with clothes and accessories throughout my life. I've gone through several phases where I've enjoyed a vintage 70s look, an all-black Yohji style, and have also been quite taken with Comme des Garçons and streetwear. Currently, my style is a mix of pretty much everything. I don't prefer anything that's too feminine, but I also don't dress in a strictly masculine way. This might sound somewhat vague, but I think I’ll always feel comfortable in a genderless look with my own personal touches added here and there. Oh, I just remembered one thing that never changes: my love for gold rings, earrings, necklaces and watches! I wear them almost everywhere I go, and even at home.
Is there a message of solidarity that you feel strongly about communicating at the moment?
Love is love and love always wins.
What is your motto?
Borrowing from Roosevelt's quote, this has always been my motto: “Believe you can and you are halfway there."
Do you prefer colour or black and white?
I love both! I think it all comes down to what I want to convey through my artwork.
TheCorner.com deals with fashion, what’s your relationship with fashion? Is there a look you just can't give up?
I've always loved dressing up and experimenting with clothes and accessories throughout my life. I've gone through several phases where I've enjoyed a vintage 70s look, an all-black Yohji style, and have also been quite taken with Comme des Garçons and streetwear. Currently, my style is a mix of pretty much everything. I don't prefer anything that's too feminine, but I also don't dress in a strictly masculine way. This might sound somewhat vague, but I think I’ll always feel comfortable in a genderless look with my own personal touches added here and there. Oh, I just remembered one thing that never changes: my love for gold rings, earrings, necklaces and watches! I wear them almost everywhere I go, and even at home.
Is there a message of solidarity that you feel strongly about communicating at the moment?
Love is love and love always wins.
What is your motto?
Borrowing from Roosevelt's quote, this has always been my motto: “Believe you can and you are halfway there."