Hi! I’m Irene Tan, the artist/illustrator behind the label Missy Minzy. Welcome into my little world of creative happiness!

I describe myself as an illustrator with a heartbeat. This heartbeat is my cute little fantasy girl called Minzy, and her magical mushrooms. I created her before my first daughter was born.

I have more than 15 years of professional working experience in various industries, from a graphic designer to a packaging designer to an advertising designer...and now I’m an illustrator!

Originally from Malaysia, has lived in Melbourne for over a decade before relocated to live in Canberra, with a loving husband and our two gorgeous daughters. I really adore creating things which make people smile!

All of my illustrations are hand drawn. I colour them either digitally or with traditional media, such as watercolour or designer gouache. Then I give my work a special touch by enhancing the details with some textures or surface pattern design. My style and design is always changing, depending on what inspires me! 

So why did you choose the name Missy Minzy, you ask? Minzy is my little nickname in the cyber world. I started Missy Minzy to have a creative platform to enjoy, let loose and have fun creating, during my “me time”!

Being able to create keeps me sane during the multi-tasking commitment of bringing up my children, and most of all, it keeps me happy!! After all, life is but a dream! :)

Since starting Missy Minzy, one of my biggest highlights was when my recent artwork submission made it to Lilla Rogers Studio's Top 50 Semi-Finalists in the Global Talent Search, in August, 2013. This is a well-known illustration agency who representing artists internationally!

I would like to see some of my illustration and artwork going places where it continues bringing joys into others' heart just as much as I created it.

Thank you for reading and getting to know me and Missy Minzy! :)

Irene XX