My TEDX talk: "We Should All Draw Without an Eraser"

When I first stepped into the world of live illustration, I quickly realised something profound: life doesn’t come with an undo button. Every brushstroke, every decision, every first line is irreversible. And yet, it’s in those unedited moments - messy, uncertain, alive - that the magic happens.

During my TEDx talk, We Should All Draw Without an Eraser, I shared how I went from drafting legal documents in a quiet law firm to painting portraits in the middle of luxury boutiques, and later, on international fashion stages. It was a journey of learning to trust, embrace imperfection, and take bold first steps - lessons that apply far beyond the canvas.

Here are the key takeaways from that journey:

1. The First Line is Always the Hardest

Whether it’s a blank page, a new project, or a life-changing decision, starting is often the most daunting step. In live illustration, hesitation shows immediately. The pen knows when you doubt yourself. But the act of beginning, even imperfectly, is where courage is born. Life rewards the ones who draw that first line, regardless of what it looks like.

2. Perfection Isn’t the Goal - Connection Is

I used to think that every line needed to be perfect, planned, and precise. But the truth is, people respond to authenticity more than flawlessness. I learned this the first time I drew a guest and thought I had ruined her portrait. Her delighted gasp told me she saw herself - not a perfect image, but a true connection. In both art and life, our imperfections are what make us relatable, human, and memorable.

3. Trust Your Next Line

When you’re creating, there’s always uncertainty. The next move may not be perfect, but that’s where trust comes in. Trust in yourself, in the process, and in the moment. The more you practice this, the more presence and peace you feel. Life, like a brushstroke, only exists in the present; we can’t edit the past, but we can fully commit to what comes next.

4. Mistakes Can Be Magic

One of the most powerful lessons came from a simple accident, a drop of pink ink landed on a guest’s portrait. My heart sank, but she smiled and said, “It looks like a flower.” That “mistake” became the most talked-about part of the event. Sometimes, the things we fear most. The smudges, the wobble, the unplanned are exactly what give our work its humanity and memorability.

5. Take Action Now

The most important step is to start. Whatever project, conversation, or risk you’ve been hesitating on, start. Don’t wait for the perfect plan, the perfect moment, or the perfect version of yourself. Growth, creativity, and meaningful experiences begin with that first unsteady line. Over time, you’ll realise that the beauty wasn’t in perfection, it was always in the courage to begin.

In the end, our most meaningful work and decisions are often made quietly, in the messy, unseen moments. You don’t need to see the whole picture to create something beautiful. All you need is the trust to draw your next line.

So, pick up your pen, literal or metaphorical, and make your mark. The first line is yours.