Bernadet Putri never expected her failure to win a design competition during college to become a world-renowned illustrator. As a textile craft student, she was accustomed to being challenged with creative ideas for her assignments. Her final assignment included creating a fashion collection and exhibition, which were notoriously expensive. However, given her family's difficult circumstances at the time, Bernadet had no choice but to find alternative ways to finance her project. Winning an illustration competition on Instagram became her goal to earn substantial sums of money. Unfortunately, she never won a single competition.
Despite this, the experience spurred Bernadet to diligently upload her work to Instagram. Unexpectedly, clients began flocking to her work one by one. Bernadet's distinctive style is showcasing Indonesian nature and culture in each of her illustrations. She's also inspired by things that don't have form but convey emotion, such as sadness and joy, song lyrics, poetry, and more.
This inspiration certainly didn't come to her overnight, but rather through a long process of learning and research. Believing in her own character and uniqueness, and not being overly influenced by current styles, were key to Bernadet's career in illustration. She believes that the more unique a person is, the more likely others are to relate to the message they're trying to convey. Bernadet herself conveys a message in each of her works that humans, animals, and plants form a beautiful harmony that must always be preserved and protected.
Before pursuing illustration full-time, the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) graduate interned as a fashion designer. She also worked as a nail artist at a beauty studio and freelanced as an illustration artist after work. Working two jobs simultaneously made it difficult for Bernadet to manage her time. As a result, she focused on working full-time as a freelance illustrator and textile designer. This decision proved to be the best choice for Bernadet because she could enjoy work that aligned with her passion. However, working according to her passion also had its challenges. She was required to manage her time well, be self-disciplined, and build a personal brand from the start.
As a full-time illustrator, Bernadet focuses not only on honing her drawing skills but also on learning new things to support her business's sustainability. She's studied the basics of business, finance, management, how to create a good concept, and more. She believes that if she only honed her skills, she would end up being just a draper.
Her expertise earned her a collaboration with the French home decor brand Lilipinso, showcasing the "Utan Collection," which depicts the Kalimantan jungle as a children's room decor. Bernadet described the experience as a dream come true. She has long harbored a desire to bring Indonesia's identity to the international stage. By going global, the Jakarta native's dream of encouraging the public to appreciate and participate in preserving the beauty of the universe will be much easier.
Before pursuing illustration full-time, the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) graduate interned as a fashion designer. She also worked as a nail artist at a beauty studio and freelanced as an illustration artist after work. Working two jobs simultaneously made it difficult for Bernadet to manage her time. As a result, she focused on working full-time as a freelance illustrator and textile designer. This decision proved to be the best choice for Bernadet because she could enjoy work that aligned with her passion. However, working according to her passion also had its challenges. She was required to manage her time well, be self-disciplined, and build a personal brand from the start.
As a full-time illustrator, Bernadet focuses not only on honing her drawing skills but also on learning new things to support her business's sustainability. She's studied the basics of business, finance, management, how to create a good concept, and more. She believes that if she only honed her skills, she would end up being just a draper.
Her expertise earned her a collaboration with the French home decor brand Lilipinso, showcasing the "Utan Collection," which depicts the Kalimantan jungle as a children's room decor. Bernadet described the experience as a dream come true. She has long harbored a desire to bring Indonesia's identity to the international stage. By going global, the Jakarta native's dream of encouraging the public to appreciate and participate in preserving the beauty of the universe will be much easier.
For Bernadet, gaining the trust of clients and customers is essential for artists. Therefore, it must be supported by competent skills and quality work. Once trust is earned, the money will naturally follow. Client trust must also be carefully maintained, as it is invaluable to the continued success of an artist's career.
Bernadet has been pursuing illustration and textile design for almost eight years. In 2020, she expanded her business by opening Bernadet Putri Studio . There, she sells a variety of her creations, including fashion products, stationery, souvenirs, and more. According to her, the key to her survival is loving her dreams and holding on to them, even when achieving them seems impossible. If you love them, your passion will always be there, so to speak.
Regarding the current climate of the creative industry in Indonesia, Bernadet sees continued growth potential. Especially since the pandemic, many people have free time at home and are starting to develop their creative sides. Furthermore, many new local brands and home-based creative businesses have emerged. People in major cities have also begun to appreciate creative products, as evidenced by the numerous bazaars held and the enthusiastic attendance.
That's Bernadet Putri's key to starting and growing a business in the illustration field. Even though many illustrators are now flocking to this art scene, Bernadet has managed to persevere with the uniqueness she discovered after a long process.
