A couple of months back, after a hearty lunch, my other half and I were walking through a row of shops when we spotted this unusual aquarium store. Inside, it was like stepping into another world — a place filled with fish, shrimp, tortoises, and a variety of other aquatic pets. While she was instantly fascinated by the shrimp, I was brainstorming ideas for my next illustration.

As we wandered from one aquarium display to another, we noticed a cat casually strutting by, its eyes moving from tank to tank as if it were on a mission to pick out its next meal. We exchanged a look of amused surprise, and she nodded with a playful suggestion: “Why not draw an anthropomorphic cat doing his usual fish shopping in an aquarium shop?” Very often, her sudden ideas would lead to a new illustration.

That brief conversation was enough to make me more observant, looking through every detail in the shop, the storerooms, behind the cashier counter, and underneath each and every fish tank. I wandered around, taking in every detail — the old, dusty boxes of aquarium supplies, vintage calendars, faded posters, and even a few forgotten Chinese records. Every little thing, I’m sure, has its own story.

At that time, I already envisioned a scene filled with detailed, immersive visuals where every element was meant to guide the viewer’s eye. The ambient setting was inspired by the mellow evenings of my childhood, that time of the day when old Hong Kong TVB series used to air.

The plan was direct and simple: centre the illustration around the cat, the fish, and a grand aquarium, which would be the main subject, while adding nostalgic elements like toys, records, and other treasures from days gone by.

In that moment, I realised this wasn’t just a shop. It was a portal to an era when wonder was around every corner, and the events and objects of everyday life sparked our dreams. Just like us, the cat was drawn to the calm movements of the fish — a gentle reminder of a time when even the smallest details could bring back joy and happiness. As it stood there, the boundary between past and present blurred, inviting us all to step back into those cherished moments of our youth, where dreams and happy memories never truly faded.

This is how the eye is intended to move along the red line. The cat, being the brightest, is meant to be the focal point, drawing attention as the main subject. From there, the gaze moves towards the fish tanks, then downward to the records, video game console, and toy boxes. It continues across the retro items on the right, moves up to the objects on the rack, then towards the signage above, before circling back to the fish tank, down again, and ultimately returning to the cat’s eye.

These illustrations will be available as limited edition prints, each signed and numbered. If you’re interested in getting one, feel free to email me at thomasupernova@gmail.com

If you enjoyed this, check out my Instagram for more illustrations at @thomasupernova

“Look For A Star” is a drawing inspired by the song of the same name. I felt the urge to bring this song to life visually after sharing some childhood memories with my partner – times when I was around 8 or 9, sitting by the radio with my brothers, holding an empty cassette tape, waiting patiently for our favorite songs to play so we could record them.

One of those songs was Look For A Star, originally sung by Gary Mills, though I’ve always preferred Gary Miles’ version (also known as Buzz Cason – funny enough, two different singers with nearly identical pseudonyms).

Left: Garry Mills, the original singer & Right: Garry Miles sang the cover version of “Look For A Star”

As I was sharing these stories with my other half in the car the other day, it hit me how much this song still resonates with me. It brought back memories of my parents, especially my dad, who was basically my first “music algorithm” long before YouTube and Spotify’s “Suggested For You” feature even existed. He had a knack for picking songs that stuck with me – until he introduced me to the Bee Gees of the ’70s the years when they started showing off their hairy chests and singing disco, I figured maybe I’d go solo on the music choices from then on.

Left: Bee Gees disco times VS Bee Gees early 60s

For the illustration, I wanted to capture pieces of my childhood – the Game Boy, the old television. Growing up in a small town in Malaysia, the outside world came through those screens, the radio, and the occasional entertainment magazine. And then, as I was brainstorming, I remembered that Look For A Star was featured in the 1960s horror movie Circus of Horrors. I found that so interesting – the way this gentle, sweet-sounding song took on an eerie feeling in that context. Listening closely, it’s almost like the song holds two sides: a sense of romance and haunting.

“Look For A Star” – 2024 by yours truly :)

Hence why I included elements like clowns, circus scenes, and magic tricks in the drawing – to hint at the song’s dual nature. Look For A Star can feel both comforting and unsettling, a sweet melody with a shadow behind it, depending on the listener’s interpretations.

I used to keep my favorite devices close to my workstation for inspiration. :)

Creating this piece reminded me how blessed I am, by God’s grace, to capture memories and feelings that mean so much to me visually. Art lets me share these stories, and I hope they resonate with others too. If this illustration speaks to you, I’d be truly grateful for your support – the print is available for sale.

Some of my favorite devices that have yet to make it into my drawings.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you enjoyed this, check out my Instagram for more illustrations: @thomasupernova or should you have any questions, drop me an email at thomasupernova@gmail.com

The mere thought of visiting the States had never crossed my mind, given the daunting distance, visa complexities, and the intricacies of currency exchange. Yet, credit is due to my better half, who insisted on seizing the opportunity. The spark was the exhibition of my NFT illustration works in Las Vegas. With a YOLO mindset, we wholeheartedly embraced this adventure.

Securing the tickets marked the first triumph. Subsequent hurdles of visa application and a nerve-wracking interview followed, but fortunately, we navigated them with ease. With two critical tasks checked off the list, the next challenge was crafting an itinerary for my extended stay. Beyond the thrill of showcasing my art at the BREATHE! Convention in Las Vegas, I eagerly anticipated exploring iconic locations like Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Drive, Safari Inn (featured in the beloved movie True Romance), Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the chance of finding Elvis Presley's star. Additionally, immersing myself in the birthplace of surf music was a must. And, of course, the happiest place on earth, Disneyland, was an essential part of the plan.

To condense the tale, after a 21-hour flight, I found myself immersed in the surreal landscapes of California. The realization hit me, accentuated by my first meal at In-&-Out Burger, that I was truly in the Golden State.

Throughout my stay in Fremont, nestled under the umbrella of San Jose, I explored the three most populous cities—Los Angeles, San Diego, and my base, San Jose. Road trips took me to San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Anaheim, and more, although covering all 482 cities proved a lofty ambition.

Hailing from a small town in Malaysia, every corner felt like a scene from my childhood movie reel. An unmistakable "American" ambiance, both familiar and foreign, pervaded. Visiting places like Santa Monica brought to mind James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause and Lords of Dogtown, both shot in and around Santa Monica. Alcatraz Island, on the other hand, triggered nostalgic emotions, connecting me to memories of watching Clint Eastwood's movie Escape from Alcatraz with my late grandfather. Beyond my wildest dreams, I strolled along the streets of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, stepping on and touching Elvis Presley's star!

Contrary to media portrayals, I encountered no instances of Asian Hate or mistreatment. While road tripping from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, encountering burly white logging workers initially stirred a bit of trepidation. Yet, their friendliness shattered stereotypes, turning a potential anxious moment into a pleasant exchange.

California left an indelible mark with its beauty, diverse people, breathtaking scenery, unique experiences, captivating atmosphere, and the occasional bone-chilling weather. Despite some near-freezing days, California has secured a permanent place in my heart—a chapter I'll revisit with a smile.

Among the plethora of captivating places, a few stand out:

1. Alcatraz Island
2. Disneyland
3. Hollywood Sign & Hollywood Walk of Fame
4. Yosemite
5. Lake Tahoe
6. Golden Gate Bridge
7. Santa Monica Pier
8. San Diego Old Town
9. Sunset Boulevard
10. San Francisco Chinatown

Feel free to check out my Instagram profile for a glimpse into my interpretation of the visual travelogue capturing the essence of California Dreaming: https://www.instagram.com/thomasupernova

This illustration I created was meant to capture the essence of me, my other half, and our dog Rocky, where the star of our story is undoubtedly our beloved Rocky, the miniature poodle. In this artwork, it’s not just a portrait of my partner and me, but a heartfelt tribute to Rocky, complete with his toys, treats, bed, and everything in between. Remarkably, Rocky even reminds me of Falkor, the endearing dragon from the movie “The Never Ending Story.”

Let me share the heartwarming story of how Rocky became a part of our lives. Initially, we never planned on adopting a miniature poodle; my preference leaned toward rescuing stray puppies or bringing home a golden retriever. However, fate had a different plan in store for us when a friend decided to offer their miniature poodle, for FREE!, following the arrival of their newborn baby.

I wholeheartedly believe that God had a better plan for us, and that plan led us to adopt Rocky, the Miniature Poodle, instead of a stray puppy or a golden retriever. It took just one week for Rocky to settle into his new home, transitioning from an apartment to a spacious two-story house, providing him with ample space to frolic and explore.

Rocky’s joy knows no bounds when it comes to playing catch, engaging in tug of war, and even indulging in a spirited game of hide and seek with his cherished treats. I often hide his treats, inviting him to use his keen sense to find them.

Having Rocky by my side has transformed my daily routine. I rise early to care for his needs, from tending to his pee pad to accompanying him on morning and evening walks. When I sit down to work on my drawings from 9 am onwards, Rocky becomes my steadfast companion, either nestled under my drawing table or socializing with our neighbors as they carry out their daily tasks.

Every 30–45 minutes, he nudges me with an irresistible plea for a few minutes of catch and fetch, after which he contentedly returns to his own activities, whether it be sleeping or resting. And whenever I take a break to relax or stretch, Rocky instinctively senses that work has paused, and he eagerly brings his toys, silently conveying, “Come play with me; you’ve completed your work.”

To ensure he remains entertained when I need to step out, we’ve gathered an array of toys, each with its own name and unique story. There’s “PIG PIG,” the well-loved plush pig with battle scars, “PINK PIG,” another pig plush with ears missing, and cherished favorites like “Raccoony” the Raccoon, known for its delightful squeaky sounds when bitten. Not to forget “Frankie,” the petite yet feisty chicken toy.

Rocky’s love extends to children, as they stand nearly as tall as he does. He has a special talent for shaking hands and willingly offers both of his paws. Today, he has become an indispensable part of our family, and we are overflowing with gratitude for the joy he brings into our lives.

If you’re interested in exploring more of my artwork and illustrations, you can find me primarily on Instagram and Twitter @Thomasupernova. Be sure to check out my website as well at www.thomasupernova.com Thank you!