Self‑Taught Artist Yip Yew Chong Fires Back at Critics While Honoring His Craft

Meet the Unconventional Artist Who Keeps Painting Despite Critics

Ever walked down the lanes of Tiong Bahru or the bustling alleys of Chinatown and spotted a bright splash of color on an old wall? That’s probably the work of Yip Yew Chong, a self‑taught muralist who’s turning city walls into storytelling canvases.

While fans love his eye‑catching murals, there are those who roll their eyes at his “no‑degree” approach. They argue that only formal training can bring true artistry.

Why the 53‑Year‑Old Ignores the Naysayers

Yip’s answer? “I don’t let criticism crash my vibe. I actually take it as a cue to learn more.” The artist admits, at times, he even echoes what critics say—yet he’s not discouraged.

His Secret Formula

Observe other painters and pick up techniques.
Experiment with various paint types.
Persist—each wall is a new chance to refine his craft.

He’s still learning and just wants to keep getting better. And honestly, that’s pretty inspiring. If anything, those who doubt him maybe just need a splash of creativity in their own lives.

Being an ‘artsy’ student

From Crayons to Canvas: Yew Chong’s Artistic Journey

Back in primary school, Yew Chong was just another kid in the hallway, but his fingertips left a different trail. While most children were ruffling through their math worksheets, he was busy turning pages into canvases with coloured pencils and crayons.

What set him apart? He didn’t just doodle; he mastered the art. Even as a young boy, Yew Chong could tell that his drawings were destined for more than just the classroom walls.

Spotlights from the Past

Teachers didn’t just give him extra homework – they gave him creative assignments to brighten the school.
Those early sketches and school projects were the first brush strokes of what would become a lifetime of art.

From the Army to Academia

When he joined the army, Yew Chong’s canvas grew larger: he designed logos, T‑shirts and banners that marched alongside his unit. Then, when he hit NTU, his imagination pressed forward again.

“Back in university, I kept going back to banners and T‑shirts,” he chuckles, “but I also ventured into backdrop design for events. Guess it’s a comfort zone that never dries up.”

Now and Beyond

Fast forward to today, Yew Chong is a full‑time artist. Turning a pastime into a paycheck took time, but the journey from doodling on paper to turning crowds into gallery ooh‑yes has been worth every sketch.

With each new canvas, he reminds us that the little crayons we scribble with in class can someday speak louder than any headline. And if that ever shocks you – just remember: a child’s hand can turn an ordinary school day into a masterpiece.

Sticking to the norm

From Tally Sheets to Colorful Streets: Yew Chong’s Surprising Artistic Turn

Everyone knows Yew Chong as a seasoned accountant—over 25 years of balancing ledgers, never once dreamt of a studio chair. “I never pictured myself as a full‑time artist,” he recalls, “because back then, practicality was our secret sauce.” Yet the universe had a different garnish in store.

The Sabbatical Surprise

2015: The Big Pause – Yew finally stepped away from the numbers to rediscover his own rhythm.
Exploring Art on the Side – During this downtime, he strolled past murals in Singapore and Malaysia, and something inside sparked like a firecracker.
Decided to Paint – “I felt the urge to paint a street mural,” he says, “but then the big question popped up: ‘How do I start without a portfolio?’”

Painting With a Pledge of Persistence

Without a gallery showing, Yew roamed his neighborhood, knocking on doors like a polite escapologist. “I’d ask homeowners if they’d let me paint on their wall,” he explains. The reaction? A mix of curiosity, surprise, and eventually… cheers.

First Blessing – One generous homeowner said yes, and Yew painted his first mural. The finish line? Warm applause.
Next Up – A second mural followed, and the local folks loved the splash of color he’d added to the streets.
Now a Local Legend – That early encouragement turned the quiet accountant into an emerging mural maestro.

So, while he never imagined trading calculators for brushes, Yew Chong proves that sometimes the universe nudges you with a paintbrush in the right hand, and all that’s left is to grab it.

Dealing with the public’s opinions

From Office Desk to Street Canvas: Yew Chong’s Artistic Journey

Picture a guy who, after years of spreadsheets and coffee, decided it was time to swap the office for an empty wall (or a wall that already had someone’s art on it). That’s Yew Chong, who traded his 9‑to‑5 for weekend murals and a full‑time passion for painting.

The Rough Start

2016: Back in the office, Yew felt the itch for creativity grow stronger.
Spent Saturdays and Sundays penciling out commissioned projects—painting by the weekend, accounting by the weekday.
Survived three years of juggling a desk job with colorful canvases.

Breaking Free

“In 2018, my wife nudged me to pursue art full‑time,” he recalls, a smile cracking over the memory of those long overtime hours.
At that point, his kids were already off the hooks of daily school routines, leaving him more space to chase his dream. Yew finally said goodbye to his corporate paycheck and hello to the street.

Criticism & Growth

Every artist hears or feels a critique somewhere in the mix:

People say his figures can look “cartoonish” or awkward.
He laughs it off, reminding everyone that he’s self‑taught. He geeks on people’s poses, photos, and a whole lot of imagination.
Instead of hating the feedback, Yew takes it constructively.

“Sometimes I notice a figure in my work that looks a bit off,” he admits.
But he’s also self‑aware and introspective; that internal drive is the engine that keeps him sharpening his skills.

Looking Back, Feeling Forward

He admits a little cringing at murals from 2015, but when he sees his current pieces, he’s confident in the progress.

In sum, Yew Chong swapped spreadsheets for spray cans and discovered that the real art of the city is being made one mural at a time. And while critics exist, he keeps an open mind, believing that every awkward figure is just a step toward mastery.

Self‑Taught Artist Yip Yew Chong Fires Back at Critics While Honoring His Craft

Meet the Unconventional Artist Who Keeps Painting Despite Critics