Lay Hoon Ho, also known as Arty Guava, is an artist and illustrator based in Vancouver, drawing inspiration from her childhood in Malaysia, her love for nature, and her passion for dance. Her artwork is a vibrant celebration of life, featuring lively flowers, joyful poses, and free-spirited animals set against whimsical backgrounds. A touch of fantasy infuses her designs, reflecting her zest for life and a deep connection to the natural world.
Central to Lay Hoon’s art is the theme of harmony. Whether it’s people harmonizing with each other, with nature, or with their inner selves, her work reflects a profound sense of balance and unity. This theme of harmony resonates throughout her portfolio, creating a captivating narrative of joy and interconnectedness.
Tell us a bit about your capsule collection with Otto Studio. Why did you choose the patterns? What was your inspiration behind these patterns?
Before delving into any project, I thoroughly research the brand I’m collaborating with. When I explored Otto Studio’s website, I admired the vibrancy and diversity but noticed a lack of tropical-themed designs, which aligns closely with my art style. I saw an opportunity to fill that gap. My aesthetic is heavily influenced by my childhood in Malaysia and the lush tropical landscapes there, which I strive to recreate wherever I go. This theme guided my work for the capsule collection with Otto Studio.
How and when did your brand and creative journey come to life?
Shortly after having my son, my family moved to Vancouver, and within a year, the pandemic hit. Feeling overwhelmed with homesickness, seasonal depression, juggling full-time work without daycare, social isolation, and the rise of Asian hate crimes in North America, I started illustrating daily to find solace and peace. Thinking I had nothing to lose, I began posting my work on Instagram under the moniker Arty Guava. To my surprise, I slowly garnered a small following, and commissions started rolling in.
Two years later, I mustered the courage to quit my full-time job as an art director and focus solely on my art practice. I have never looked back since.
Tell us about some highlights in your career.
Some highlights in my career include designing a journal for a Weight Watchers event hosted by Oprah Winfrey earlier this year. Being credited by Oprah herself for my artwork at the event was a dream come true, and I cherish the recording as a testament to that momentous occasion.
Additionally, collaborating with Herschel in 2023 to design two limited edition backpacks was a proud achievement. I collaborated with Coach for a live painting and customization event for their Mother’s Day celebration. It was a wonderful experience to interact with customers and create personalized artworks, adding a special touch to the event.
In 2021, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Ong Shunmugam, a fashion designer based in Singapore. As someone who loves fashion, it was incredibly rewarding to see my art come to life in wearable pieces, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
What inspires you on a day-to-day basis?
What inspires me on a day-to-day basis are a few go-to activities. I enjoy visiting the library, taking walks around town, exploring museums, browsing cool vintage shops, hiking in the beautiful nature spots around Vancouver, and scrolling through Pinterest. These experiences often ignite fresh ideas and perspectives that fuel my creative work.
What would your advice be to your younger self, knowing what you know now about your career and journey? And to anyone else who is starting out as a creative?
Two pieces of advice I would give to my younger self or anyone starting their artistic journey are: Firstly, give yourself permission to try and fail. Holding back from taking that first step denies yourself the potential for a fulfilling life.
Secondly, don’t adopt other people’s fears and insecurities as your own. Early in my career, well-meaning friends and family cautioned me against leaving my secure engineering job for art and design. Despite their lack of experience in the creative industry, their fears influenced their support. With hindsight, I’ve learned to detach from those fears and pave my own path.
Talk about one of the biggest failures you’ve had. What did you learn from it?
Early in my career, I experienced what I perceived as a failure—a lack of response to my cold emails sent to brands and businesses to grow my art business. This rejection triggered self-doubt and a cycle of negativity. However, I learned to refocus on what I could control—my art and consistent promotion on social media. Years later, those same brands reached out to collaborate with me. This experience taught me the importance of patience and persistence, and how consistent effort can eventually lead to success.
What does a typical day in your week look like?
A typical day in my week revolves around being a mom. I wake up at 7 am to get my son ready for school, which involves breakfast, lunch preparation, and some journaling over green tea. After dropping him off, I dedicate an active hour to myself with a walk, jog, or gym session. Returning home, I have a homemade brunch before starting work at 11 am. From 11 am to 4 pm, I handle emails, social media content, art creation, collaborations, research, and administrative tasks. After a break at 4 pm, I prepare dinner and enjoy an early family meal. Evenings are spent with my son, assisting with school work and relaxing with some TV. I wind down with a short yoga session and reading before calling it a night around 10.30 pm.