Bernadet Putri never won an illustration competition she entered. But that defeat led her to find her path as an illustrator.

As a textile craft student at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), she was accustomed to being challenged to think creatively in her assignments. For her final project, she had to create a fashion collection and exhibition—a major project that would require significant funding. When her family was struggling, Bernadet sought a way to still fulfill her assignment. She hoped the prize from an Instagram illustration competition would be the answer.

Unfortunately, he didn't win any of them.

Turning Point from Defeat

Despite her failure, Bernadet didn't stop drawing. Instead, she became more diligent in uploading her work to Instagram. Through this consistency, clients began to arrive one by one. Initially, they were small projects, but each order opened up new opportunities. Bernadet realized that, although she lost the competition, she won through perseverance.

His works are immediately recognizable by their distinctive characteristics: showcasing Indonesian nature and culture. He draws inspiration beyond visuals from abstract themes—feelings of sadness, joy, song lyrics, and even poetry. "The more unique you are, the more others can relate to the message you're trying to convey," he believes.

In each illustration, Bernadet aims to convey that humans, animals, and plants form a beautiful harmony that must be preserved. This message is a consistent thread throughout her work.

Finding Direction in the Midst of Busyness

Bernadet's journey wasn't smooth sailing. She interned as a fashion designer, worked as a nail artist, and did freelance illustration work in her spare time. The two jobs combined left her exhausted. Ultimately, she decided to focus full-time as an illustrator and textile designer.

That decision was pivotal. He could devote all his energy to what truly excited him, even though it meant learning discipline, managing his time, and building his personal brand from the ground up.

Learn to be more than just a draftsman

For Bernadet, being an illustrator isn't just about drawing. She realizes that without management, business, and branding skills, her work won't have a long shelf life. Therefore, she learned the basics of business and finance, how to manage clients, and how to conceptualize work that would be accepted professionally.

"If you only hone your skills, you'll only end up as a draper," he said. "An artist needs to know how to make a living from their work."

That perspective proved correct. Through perseverance and self-development, Bernadet landed an international collaboration with French home decor brand Lilipinso. With the Utan Collection , she brings the feel of the Kalimantan jungle to children's room decor—a long-held dream: to bring Indonesian identity to the world stage.

Growth Mindset: Bernadet Putri's Career Framework

Competition failures, part-time jobs, and ultimately building a studio—all of these demonstrate the same pattern in Bernadet's journey: she always learns and tries again. When something doesn't work out, she finds another way, sharpens herself, and takes those lessons to the next level.

That's what Carol Dweck calls a growth mindset —the belief that abilities can continue to develop through effort, experimentation, and the courage to face mistakes. Bernadet didn't see failure as the end, but as part of the process. From there, her identity as an illustrator slowly formed, not through one major decision, but through a series of consistent experiments.

Consistent Vision

In 2020, Bernadet founded Bernadet Putri Studio, where she sells her work in various forms: fashion, stationery, and souvenirs. Now, almost a decade since her first venture, she continues to consistently create.

According to him, the key to survival isn't just skill, but also love for the dream. "If you love it, the passion will always be there," he said. For him, love for the process allows him to overcome doubt and pressure.

He also emphasized the importance of client trust. For artists, trust is their most valuable asset. Once that trust is established, money will follow. And maintaining that trust is a never-ending task.

Reflection: From Failure to Strength

Bernadet's story reminds us: failure isn't always the end, but can be a doorway to new directions. Our identity is often not found in a written plan, but rather shaped by the courage to try, fail, and get back up again.

Reflection: What failures have you experienced—and what new directions might they open up for you?