Bernadet Putri did not expect that her failure to win a design competition during college would lead her to become a reliable illustrator known to the world. As a textile crafts student, he is used to being required to have creative ideas for his assignments. Including in his final assignment, he had to create a collection of fashion products and exhibitions which incidentally had quite a high cost. However, seeing the difficult condition of his family at that time, Bernadet had to find an alternative for financing it. Winning an illustration competition on Instagram then became his determination to earn large amounts of money. Unfortunately, he never won the competition.
Even so, this experience made Bernadet diligent in uploading works to Instagram. Unexpectedly, one by one clients started to come and liked his work. Bernadet has a characteristic of presenting Indonesian nature and culture in each of his illustrations. Apart from that, he is also inspired by things that have no form but have feelings, such as feelings of sadness and happiness, song lyrics, poetry, and so on.
He certainly didn't just get this inspiration, but obtained it through a long process of study and research. Believing in your own character and uniqueness and not being too influenced by trending styles is the key for Bernadet to start a career in the world of illustration. Because according to him, the more unique a person is, the more other people will be able to feel the message he wants to convey. Bernadet himself conveys the message in each of his works that humans, animals and plants are a beautiful harmony that must always be maintained and protected.
Before pursuing illustration full time, the graduate of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) had an internship as a fashion designer. She was also a nail artist at a beauty studio and did freelance illustration after her work hours. Carrying out two professions at once made it gradually difficult for Bernadet to manage her time. As a result, he focused on working full time as a freelance illustrator and textile designer. This decision was the best choice for Bernadet because he could enjoy work that matched his passion. Even so, working to follow your passion is not free from challenges. He is required to be good at managing his time, be self-disciplined, and build his personal branding from the start.
As a full-time illustrator, Bernadet not only focuses on honing his drawing skills, but also learns various new things that support the continuity of his business. He studied the basics of business, finance, management, how to create good concepts, and more. For him, if he only hones his skills, he will end up just being a draftsman.
Due to his expertise, he was even invited to collaborate with a French home decor brand, Lilipinso, by presenting the "Utan Collection" which depicts the nuances of the Kalimantan forest as decoration for a children's room. Bernadet said this experience was like a dream for him. He has been determined to bring Indonesian identity to the international world for quite a long time. By going global, the dream of this woman from Jakarta to encourage the public to appreciate and participate in preserving the beauty of the universe will be easier.
Before pursuing illustration full time, the graduate of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) had an internship as a fashion designer. She was also a nail artist at a beauty studio and did freelance illustration after her work hours. Carrying out two professions at once made it gradually difficult for Bernadet to manage her time. As a result, he focused on working full time as a freelance illustrator and textile designer. This decision was the best choice for Bernadet because he could enjoy work that matched his passion. Even so, working to follow your passion is not free from challenges. He is required to be good at managing his time, be self-disciplined, and build his personal branding from the start.
As a full-time illustrator, Bernadet not only focuses on honing his drawing skills, but also learns various new things that support the continuity of his business. He studied the basics of business, finance, management, how to create good concepts, and more. For him, if he only hones his skills, he will end up just being a draftsman.
Due to his expertise, he was even invited to collaborate with a French home decor brand, Lilipinso, by presenting the "Utan Collection" which depicts the nuances of the Kalimantan forest as decoration for a children's room. Bernadet said this experience was like a dream for him. He has been determined to bring Indonesian identity to the international world for quite a long time. By going global, the dream of this woman from Jakarta to encourage the public to appreciate and participate in preserving the beauty of the universe will be easier.
For Bernadet, gaining the trust of clients and customers for artists is absolute. Therefore, it must be supported by qualified abilities and quality work. When you gain trust, money will follow by itself. The client's trust must also be carefully maintained because it is very valuable for the continuity of the artist's career.
Now almost as long as Bernadet is pursuing the world of illustration and textile design. In 2020, he expanded his business by opening Bernadet Putri Studio . There he sells various works, such as fashion products, stationery, souvenirs, and much more. According to him, the key to him being able to survive until now is to love his dreams and continue to hold on to them even though getting there seems impossible. If you are in love, the enthusiasm will definitely continue to be there, that's how it is.
Regarding the current climate of the creative industry in Indonesia, Bernadet sees potential that continues to grow. Especially since the pandemic, many people have free time at home and are starting to develop their creative sides. Apart from that, many new local brands and creative home businesses have emerged. People in big cities have started to appreciate creative products, as seen by the number of bazaars held and the enthusiasm of visitors.
That is Bernadet Putri's key in starting and developing a business in the illustration field. Even though now many illustrators are starting to come to enliven this field of art, Bernadet is still able to survive with the uniqueness that he has discovered after a long series of processes.