Makers Series — Abbey Sy
A Conversation with Abbey Sy
Abbey Sy is a Chinese-Filipino artist based in Berlin. Throughout her creative career, she has written and illustrated best-selling books, designed stationery products, facilitated journaling workshops, and traveled the world as part of her creative process.
With her Always Be Creating mantra, her mission is to make art more accessible and help you on your creative journey, wherever you are at. Currently, she has a growing creative community on Patreon, and produces videos on YouTube, and teaches workshops worldwide.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey to becoming the artist and author you are today?
Hello! I’m Abbey Sy (pronounced “c”), a multi-hyphenate creative born and raised in Manila, Philippines, now living and working in Berlin, Germany.
I've been drawing since childhood, filling countless sketchbooks in my early years. I remember being told that art would never be more than a hobby for me. Back then, I wasn't particularly skilled or talented—just hardworking and curious. My interest in typography led me to experiment with hand lettering, which opened doors to exploring various mediums for creative expression.
My creative spark was rekindled when I studied Advertising Management. Later, while working as a Strategic Planner at an agency, my passion for creating began to demand more time than my 9-5 job allowed. When a book offer came my way after 10 months, I took the leap and never looked back. Fast forward to seven published books and many years later, here we are.
This year marks my 10th anniversary as a full-time artist—a journey filled with "what ifs," "maybes," and moments of "wow, I can't believe this happened." Throughout my creative career, I've embraced multiple roles: artist, author, shop owner, creator, and teacher. Wearing these diverse hats have enabled me to explore and experiment with my creative process, and I continue to embody each of these identities in various ways.
Is there a particular quote, piece of work, or even a specific sound/smell that ignites your creative process?
I don’t have anything in particular that ignites me to create. When I'm working on a project, I typically fall into a natural rhythm with my to-do list close by. That said, I always prepare my workspace by thoroughly cleaning my desk and brewing a nice cup of filter coffee to help stimulate my creative thinking.
When I’m deep in drawing or designing, I usually have a film playing in the background to keep me company. I typically choose either a Wes Anderson film, a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM), or a coming-of-age classic—I'm quite predictable in my selections. These background films help stimulate my creativity and create a sense of flow in my work.
Tell us about your favorite project to date. What made it so special?
So hard to pick! I would say one of my favorite projects (that I’m so lucky to be able to do every month) is my Patreon mail. Every month, I design stickers and prints to send out to lovely humans in my journal club to support my creative journey. I like to have fun and assign themes to guide my creative process. What makes this project special is its limited-quantity production and my thoughtful approach to designing stationery that serves both my needs as a journaler and the practical needs of my community.
How did you discover Blackwing pencils?
I remember being gifted a Blackwing 602 pencil back when I was still in the thick of doing hand lettering as a profession. After trying drawing with it, I was immediately drawn to how smooth the writing and drawing experience is, and it has always been a mainstay in my creative tools stash. The best part? All the fun colors and volumes!
What other tools are essential to your process?
A sturdy notebook for drawing and jotting down design drafts is another essential I always have with me. They go hand in hand with my Blackwing pencils whenever a project is in its early stages.
In a world that often celebrates speed, what does "slowing down" mean to you?
For me, slowing down is paying attention. It is looking at the mundanity of everyday life and finding beauty in it. I love how nature provides an avenue to slow down and enjoy the moment, especially when it’s fleeting. Especially as seasons change and time passes, I’m reminded that nothing lasts and paying attention to the present is so important and special.
What message or piece of advice would you offer to fellow creators who are just starting their journeys?
Take a chance on yourself. I'm very grateful that opportunities led me to where I am today, simply by reaching out and taking a chance. It's like putting your dreams out to the universe and watching it listen. I can't tell you how many times I've doubted my abilities, but when I stopped listening to those voices in my head, I continued to grow, evolve, and flourish. And trust me, you will, too.
Where can the Blackwing community follow and support you?
https://abbeysy.com/
https://instagram.com/abbeysy
https://youtube.com/@AbbeySy
https://patreon.com/abbeysy