Get to know: Michellina Suminto

Let us introduce to our very own Michi, the multi-talented, perfectly right-brain and left-brain balanced member of our team. Michellina not only balances a budget and schedule beautifully but is an incredible photographer and hand-lettering enthusiast. We asked her a few questions.

You are so talented! Tell us one thing you are secretly bad at.

Thank you!! Doing the Asian squat 🙃

Why do you love illustration and typography?

It started back in elementary school when we were asked to copy one sentence in cursive and fill the whole page to practice. I simply love the act of writing and drawing, also the feel when a pen/pencil touches a paper/board. Those strokes… bliss!

How did your practice change over time?

The first time you get into something, it’s all about learning basic techniques and rules.

For me these days and most of the time, it’s kind of a quantity-over-quality situation. I want to perfect a style I’ve studied before (I want to achieve that “font” look) or explore the variations and looking back into your practice book shows a lot.

Sometimes I also dissect structure, look up the history (yes, am that geek. But you’ll be surprised with how much the term actually says about something, the meaning can be quite literal), and try to analyze the practice of the day.

I LOVE picking apart every little element that built up a style. It makes my brain process information better!

Oh, and NEVER, EVER, skip warm-ups. Have to maintain muscle memory.

Why do you love doing events?

Simply being surprised with how one event pushes the team’s and my limits, like you are being stretched to every possible end in a good way. And every time we are doing a new event, it feels like I get to know and “conquer” a new planet of resources, knowledge, and possibilities; things you never knew you could make happen.

With that said, I have always been a planner person. To see months of preparation come into life in a day is something that never fails to delight me. There is a very distinct satisfaction that comes from it.

Seeing people having a great time and being blown away by unexpected elements is a sweet bonus!

How do you keep endurance during events and tight timelines?

Big breakfast, vitamin, and good footwear on the day of the event are a must.

Oh and Proud Mary and Great Balls of Fire (kinda on repeat) on my way to the event!

I think the rest comes from adrenaline and good energy rush.

During events, my brain shifts to “is everything/everybody alright?”, “does anything need fixing?”, “what’s happening on stage next?”, “is the team doing good or does somebody need help?”, and so on. And before I know it, we are already tearing down the venue again.

What things bother you in general?

Quite a lot actually because I tend to overthink the overthink.

How do you manage it?

Always be open for a “slap”; may it be a good hard smack on your face or a nice gentle tap on your shoulder. It’s always a good reminder to ground yourself.

And not to panic or when I reach the panic state, panic inside first before projecting it outside.

One breath at a time :)

What brings you joy working in the Elami team?

MOUNTAIN OF SNACKS! Just kidding.

The amount of non-generic things that we need/have to do for a project is pretty amusing sometimes. We keep discovering alternatives and exceeding our limitations. It is very rewarding in a certain way.

It literally has been and still is an endless learning experience.

2 years (and counting) with Elami team, I am still constantly amazed with how Dani’s brain works when she’s doing her wiz on designs or how brilliant (which is an understatement) Mila is at storytelling (spoken and written) or how Ajeng put together a killer playlist.

((Thank you for letting me pick (and peek at) your brains, ladies!))

At the end of the day, we do make a killer team!! HA! 😎👊