Get to know: Cecilia Hidayat, illustrator, animal lover and introvert

This collaboration has us squealing. The Queen of Adorable herself, illustrator Cecilia Hidayat, agreed to create a memory card game for Toko Elami with all original artwork and we couldn’t be more excited!

The Bali Animal Memory Card Game is a great game for littles, stretching their brains and memory skills while being a totally scree-free analog experience. AND you get to learn about Bali’s wildlife! #WIN

We want you guys to know (and love!) Cecil as much as we do, so we asked her a few questions.

Self portrait by Cecilia Hidayat

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your creative identity/journey.

I’m Cecil, an introvert who finds it easier to express myself through drawings rather than talking. Even though my family was against me becoming an art person, I took graphic design in college and ended up working as an art director for around five years in advertising agencies in Jakarta. But then I realized I’m not built for that hustle and bustle, and I decided to pursue my true passion in illustration. And here I am now, working as a full-time freelance illustrator. 😊

Where do you feel most creative?

In the most unexpected places, really. A confession: I often feel sleepy and my mind wanders everywhere when I’m attending mass at church, and some of my (self-proclaimed) best ideas to date began there. Or when I’m taking my sweet time in the shower. Or when I’m on the verge of sleep. Or when I’m blasting my favorite music through my headphones.

If your creative work were edible, what would it taste like?

I think it would taste like a daily traditional treat (maybe something like kue lumpur?). It’s subtle and doesn’t scream anything, but it’s kind of comforting, and you crave it from time to time (I hope so, hahaha).

Do you pay attention to people's reactions to your work? Does that affect what you create?

Yes. I’m an overthinker, and I overthink everything, including people’s reactions. The younger me would be very affected and would try hard to please everyone. But now, I’ve learned that the absolute joy of making art lies in staying true to myself and what I believe in. Receiving bad reactions still affects me, but I’m done trying to please everyone, hahahah.

If you could meet a creative/maker/artist (past or present), who would that person be?

Ugh, so many. Although I probably wouldn’t know what to say if I met them… I’d just want to say thank you for creating works that moved me. If I had to choose: Dice Tsutsumi and his Tonko House gang.

What's your favorite thing about being a creative in Bali and/or Indonesia?

Bali — you really can’t ask for more. Every nook and cranny is inspiring here. Ubud especially. There are so many interesting cultural events, and the artists here are my source of inspiration and humility. Things are slower compared to Jakarta, where I used to live, and I feel like I have more time to tidy up my messy brain.

What's a secret talent or obsession no one really knows about?: Years ago, before I even knew about pen tablets, I used to create my illustrations using only the trackpad on my laptop.

Elami Note: this is MINDBLOWING

Can you drop a hint about what we can look forward to seeing from you in 2026?

I honestly don’t know the answer to this one, hahahah. I just got declined by an illustration fair I really wished to take part in, and my plans and confidence feel a bit scattered right now lol. But I do plan to (finally) build a serious branding for my work, and I’m trying to write a children’s book (God knows when it will be finished, but please wish me luck!).