My time at UCL inspired my creations
As a former international student, it’s an absolute privilege to contribute to Tastes Like Home. This book isn’t just about food, it’s a heartfelt celebration of diversity that offers a comforting slice of home to students far from theirs. Knowing that every penny it's sale will go directly to the Students’ Union's Hardship Fund makes this project even more rewarding, providing much-needed financial support to those who need it most. That’s why I’m fully committed to ensuring that these messages resonate through my illustrations.
Food was always at the heart of conversations with friends from different cultural backgrounds when I was at UCL. This has greatly influenced my work. I drew on those memories, aiming to infuse that sense of connection and cultural appreciation into each illustration.
My art style is inspired by Nina Cosford, Tom Froese, and Kathrin Honesta. For this project, I also drew inspiration from illustrators experienced in food illustration, such as Felicita Sala, Yosia Raduck, and Heegyum Kim. I was also inspired by traditional patterns and interior designs from each country, which helped to enrich the cultural elements in the illustrations.
Behind the creative process
Creating the Concept
My creative process starts with brainstorming each illustration concept. I then gather image references and explore the cooking process and cultural stories behind each dish. My aim is to evoke memories of home, so this step is crucial in capturing the vibe of freshly cooked dishes from the kitchen to the dining room.
Sketching
Once I have a good grasp of the concept, I sketch out the ideas—focusing not only on the food but also on additional elements that convey a sense of warmth. These sketches are reviewed with the team before moving on to the next steps.
A dash of colour
After getting approval, I begin the colouring process, adding backgrounds and details to finalise the illustrations. While most of the work is done digitally, I often start with pencil sketches for the rough drafts.