Daily Inspiration: Meet Jason Arifin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Arifin.

Hi Jason, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For as long as I can remember, I have escaped into fantasies through cartoons, songs, and picture books. Born and raised in Indonesia, I was one of those kids who pondered alone and imagined stories using crayons. In third grade, I begged my sister to teach me how to draw my favorite manga and anime characters because I looked up to her drawings. From there, I tried many art styles and media because I started taking art seriously. As time went by, I took a drawing course at Carrot Academy, where I learned the fundamentals. When I finally saw my progress in drawing, I was asked the inevitable question, “What career path are you taking?” All I have known is that art is everywhere: I pick snacks with the best-looking packaging, play nostalgic games, enjoy a certain painting in a museum, love heart-wrenching films, and dance to my favorite music. I decided to pursue art because I want the world to be more artistic, with expressive paintings and heartfelt storytelling.

Taking art seriously, I attended a Precollege program at Ringling College of Art and Design in summer 2017. In the program, I learned a new approach to art and met artists who were unapologetically themselves. I made friends with them and felt a sense of belonging in the art community. The program taught me that being connected with other artists is as important as your own skill as an artist. After graduating high school, I decided to attend Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Illustration and minoring in Drawing, starting in fall 2018. What intrigued me about the major is how you can tell a compelling story with a single illustration through the smallest detail, like how colors can evoke certain emotions and dynamic shapes can make a still image look like animation. Through my cultural upbringing and artful education, I have found my own meaning of illustration. Art is more than the finished product; it takes immense thought to conceptualize it and dedication to improve one’s skills. Throughout college, I befriended people from different majors, which improved my creative direction by incorporating dynamic elements from animation and motion media, brainstorming and pitching ideas from industrial design and architecture, and immersive layouts from graphic design and sequential art. My favorite project was being part of an animation production; I drew concept art for the short film “The Dead Sea.” I illustrated the props to build their sci-fi horror environment, from crystals to alien meat. I have done more projects after that, some as freelance, volunteer work, and passion projects with friends. This journey built my need to work in a creative environment where I can collaborate on ideas and express my passion.

I flew back to Indonesia in late 2023 because I couldn’t get a visa-sponsored job. When I arrived back, I worked as a graphic designer at Lovepink Indonesia, a community of breast cancer warriors and survivors. I joined them because I couldn’t be here without the strong and influential women in my life, and I wanted to give back through my art. I helped bring breast cancer awareness through social media posts, merchandise, and their 10th anniversary celebration. Working with warriors – women battling breast cancer – and survivors – women in remission – was inspiring; they gave voluntary educational programs for early detection of breast cancer and how to be a supportive caregiver, free ultrasounds for lower-income communities, and visits to warriors going through treatment. After a year at Lovepink Indonesia, I helped my mom’s music school with graphic design and motion media. I illustrated anime-inspired characters, colorful instruments, and dynamic elements for their marketing and annual events to generate musical curiosity. As a corporate graphic designer, I didn’t feel fulfilled because I needed more creative liberty and started to question where my art journey was heading.

In October of 2025, I met an artist through a friend, Shavira Mada, and we connected instantly over our shared love of art. She explained why she chose the fine art path, and her passion resonated with me. I was dealing with a major art block, but after talking it through with her, I felt my urge to paint again. A month later, Mada told me to join her new collective, Nostalgic Playful Collective, for group submissions for an open call at 2Madison Gallery. I was hesitant at first, but I needed momentum to start again, so I joined them. Nostalgic Playful Collective creates artworks that help us relive childhood wonders through magical creatures, imagination, and mindfulness. Eventually, our submission was accepted for the 2026 collective exhibition, “It’s y(O)ur time!” and we had one month to finish our artworks. I started slowly at first, relearning how to conceptualize a nostalgic artwork and paint with acrylic on a 100 x 80 cm canvas, but I had to chase the deadline. Ultimately, I resolved to paint a group of peculiar creatures serenading a gigantic, wrathful monster to keep it from causing world-ending chaos. The monster symbolizes our volatile and overwhelmed behavior, while the ensemble of creatures represents our favorite cartoon characters that comfort us through our daily struggles. With the concept solidified, I faced a few more challenges in painting. I had to ask Mada for advice, relearn certain techniques, and unlearn my fear of making mistakes while racing against time. After a month of hardship, I finished my painting just in time for the deadline and set it up for the display with the collective. The collective exhibition went from February to March 2026, and I got to invite my friends and meet other artists and creative people. People had their own compelling interpretations and helpful feedback on my painting. I was flattered that my painting resonated with them, which motivated me to keep making art.

Art expresses the artist’s true intention, translating abstract thoughts through their chosen medium. When I reflect on my art journey, I realize painting is how I communicate because it forces me to stand still, observe my surroundings, and be honest with myself. Because of that, I hope to keep finding myself through creating art.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What I find challenging in my art career is the lack of acknowledgement of artistry. People often consume art without understanding why they enjoy it, only as a commodity, and move on with their lives, which is why AI was created. I had to contemplate why I disdain AI art. I know that AI is useful for minor inconveniences, but it doesn’t have a purpose in visual media. AI is a cheap and harmful competitor that threatens artists’ notability. Humans have a deep urge to create, which is why cave paintings exist, and museums hang historical paintings. Artistry comes through years of personal experience, and it brings people together. That is why I never felt left out from using AI; human artistry will always reign over artificial media.

Other than AI, I have internal struggles with impostor syndrome. I compared myself to friends who found more success in the art field. I got insecure when I got burned out easily, like I didn’t put enough effort into my work. But I have to change that mindset because every artist has their own pace, so I have to be patient with my own growth. We make art from our own understanding and practice. In conclusion, artistry is not about good or bad art; it is about honesty.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Storytelling through painting otherworldly creatures has been my favorite way to express myself. I like to combine animals’ unique attributes into mystical creatures, giving them distinctive personalities. Drawing these eccentric creatures gives me joy because I can explore different silhouettes and proportions without restrictions. I designed the characters to pull the viewer in for a glimpse of my fantasies and emulate childhood wonder.

2Madison Gallery gave me access to a wider audience for my creative expression. At the collective exhibition, I asked viewers which creature is their favorite and if my painting resonated with them. By explaining my painting thought process, I want viewers to start exploring their creative capabilities. Aside from the exhibition, Mada and I did a freelance merchandise project for 2Madison Gallery. We illustrated foxes at work, from soccer players to astronauts, to motivate kids about their dream jobs. Eventually, the gallery donated our coloring book to children recovering from a natural disaster in East Nusa Tenggara. Seeing the kids’ enthusiasm for the program moved us. It reminded me of my artistic goal to invoke safe spaces through creative expression.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Many hurdles have made my love for art persist. I struggled through my fears and doubts while adapting to current events. When I focus too much, I can get stuck and overwhelmed with my own insecurities, so I take breaks by going outside to meet friends. From there, I often get art inspiration from deep conversations because I get to learn something new about myself and others. Having a support system builds confidence, which helps me move forward despite my internal conflicts. After taking a break, I can focus on my goals and go back to painting with a clear mind.

Insecurity never stopped me from drawing or painting because creation makes me feel grounded, and I have strong support systems. We shouldn’t fear judgment because we discover ourselves through trial and error. If I am disappointed with my result, I can always learn from my mistakes. What I have learned from my journey is that art is like a life journal; it is special to the artist, and there are no rights or wrongs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jasonjudisthira.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonarifin/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-arifin-1746471a1/