A Kelantanese-born, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marine sciences from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Amir Finnmark is a self-taught artist who is currently based in Kuala Lumpur. He paints various genres and styles depending on the ideas and inspirations that he has.
#1 What was your very first job — ever?
My first job was as a shopkeeper in a snack shop in my hometown, Gua Musang, Kelantan.
#2 Tell us about your journey into the art industry; when did you realize that you could turn your love for art into a career?
My family discovered my talent when I was only 5. As I grew up, I slowly developed my talents to the complexity of it. In 2013, I joined my first ever group art exhibition in KL. I took a break from fine art for 6 years and went back into it in 2019. Two years later, The National Art Gallery accepted me into the Young Art Entrepreneurship program, this is when I realized that art can be a full-time career for me.
#3 If you could go back in time and give your young artist self-one piece of advice, what would it be?
My advice to my younger self would be it’s okay to take things slowly but do not procrastinate.
#4 Where do you find the most inspiration for your work?
My imagination and my attitude are my inspiration sources, I am a self-inspiration machine!
#5 What does your creative process look like?
When I have an idea for an art project, I will quickly grab a pencil and a sketchbook. I don’t usually just stop at sketching; I would also label what colors to be used according to how I imagined it earlier. The painting part is the last, I do that immediately or later when I am free.
#6 What was the most significant design or business challenge that you have encountered and grown from?
For me, the hardest part was the marketing and sale. I was an introverted person but since I run my own business, I have slowly changed my personality. I now have the confidence to make my own TikTok videos and Instagram live. Even though my brand is still new, I still manage to close some sales and my customers are not just in KL, they’re also in Johor and Sabah too!
#7 What has been your biggest achievement? When was the last time you thought, “wow, I can’t believe I just accomplished that!”
Being able to sell my artwork is my biggest achievement so far. Prior to that, I always thought that nobody would buy my paintings. Now, it’s a proven success!
#8 Which upcoming project or endeavour are you most excited for?
For now, I am still running my first quarter of the 2022 art project, the sale is still on as I speak. In the future, I want to do something similar but with more engaging designs.
