Shakina Razale is an independent artist and illustrator based in Singapore. Flowers, human organs, children’s books and colourful travel places are her absolute favourites to illustrate. Here she showcases her portfolio, and runs an online store, selling clay pins, reusable face masks and more. She is currently accepting children’s book commissions, open for collaboration projects and seeking representation.
In her younger days, Shakina drew mostly in her brothers’ unused exercise books to pass time. Later, while she grew to love science in school, she also seized every opportunity to draw. She illustrated for a children’s book competition at the age of 11 and won first prize.
Shakina dove straight into the corporate world after graduating from NUS with a degree in Biomedical Science in 2013. To wind down after a long day at work, she tried her hands at calligraphy and loose watercolour paintings before settling for deep understanding of the medium itself. She attended several workshops by local artists before signing up for an official certification course online. In between, she collaborated with local studios to hold her own classes. She graduated from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with Certificate in Botanical Illustration with Merit in 2018.
Life circumstances made her revisit her anatomy notes. Combining her knowledge in the field and acquired artistic skills from the years of practice, Shakina painted several internal organs as gifts of appreciation for the team of doctors that took excellent care of her son.
Today, Shakina works with local authors and brands to draw children’s books and produce printed goods respectively. She also organises series of classes to share bits of her passion with hobbyists who are looking to bring their watercolour and digital drawing skills to the next level. During her downtime, Shakina produces handmade goods such as clay pins and reusable face masks.
