This kampung girl has her roots to thank for her commercial success as an illustrator.

Lee Wai Leng, who is better known as FleeCircus, grew up in Pulau Ubin where she spent her days frolicking outdoors.

'Being surrounded by nature as a child must have influenced my artwork because a lot of my drawings are nature-based,' said Lee, 35, whose family moved to mainland Singapore when she began primary school.

A quick glance at her lusciously girly drawings of cute animals, blooming flowers and wide-eyed girls is all it takes to understand why cosmetic companies love her work.

SHE DESIGNED COMPACT CASE FOR CHARITY

When Maybelline approached Lee Wai Leng to design a compact case to raise funds for charity, she didn't hesitate in saying yes, and did it for free. 'This wasn't about monetary reward at all but an altogether different kind of reward,' said Lee, who took less than a week to come up with her sketches for the product. For every Pink In Bloom limited edition set sold, which will include the compact case Lee designed (Photo 4), $1 will be contributed to Action For Aids (AFA). AFA is a non-profit organisation which provides support and assistance to people with HIV or Aids. Each Pink In Bloom limited edition set comprises one limited edition case designed by FleeCircus and two refills. $29.90 at Watson's and Guardian pharmacies.

The list of brands that the Lasalle College of the Arts graduate has worked with includes Anna Sui and Chanel. She does anything from brochures to product packaging and commercials.

This year, she worked with make-up brand Maybelline New York to design a limited edition collectible compact case for its AngelFit Two-Way foundation that was released early this month.

Her work, Lee admits, tends to be 'happy', which is probably why cosmetic companies are drawn to that positive energy.

'I prefer to be more positive in my work. I guess you could describe my drawings as being quirky, quaint and whimsical,' she said.

Besides cosmetic brands, Lee has also done illustrations for Levi's jeans and MTV Asia's commercials and has taken part in international exhibitions like the London Design Festival.

How did you come up with the name FleeCircus?

I began working full time as a graphic designer 10 years ago and was creating and designing characters at that time.

For one of my earliest jobs, I was asked to create 72 different characters.

From there, I decided to call myself FleeCircus, a play on flea circus, to convey the idea of me creating a motley crew of characters.

Is it true that local graphic illustrators are a starving bunch of artists?

It's amazing but you can earn a living as an illustrator. Nowadays, people are more accepting of 'artsy' jobs.

I get about two commercial projects a month and I do make a decent living.

Once in a blue moon, it's possible to earn a low five-figure sum.

What advice do you have for artists who want to go commercial?

Know that there will always be a compromise. Both sides - the company and you - have to work with each other to fulfil the aim of the project.

What do you think of the trend of artists working with fashion and beauty brands?

I think it's great. About five to seven years ago, illustrators played more of a supporting role in the marketing of products.

Today, illustrators add value. For example, when we contribute our designs to limited edition packaging like the Maybelline compact case, people will take notice of the product because of what we've added to it.

Cosmetic labels teaming up with artists to create packaging - there's been Fafi for M.A.C, Christopher Kane for Lancome and now you've done something for Maybelline. Do you think this is just a fad?

Even if it's a fad, I don't mind. At least we've had our moment in the spotlight.

I really believe art is for the masses and this is a good way of doing so.

I thought American designer James Jean, who drew whimsical illustrations for Prada's spring/summer 2008 collection of bags and clothes, did a really good job.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on July 17, 2008.