How Bleak Illustration Started
“Life sucks—and that’s okay.”
In today’s hyper-curated world, there’s an unspoken pressure to always be upbeat, to filter out the bad and bottle up the messy parts of being human. But the truth is, those raw, difficult emotions are a natural part of our existence—and denying them doesn’t make them disappear.
Bleak Illustration was born in the midst of that mess—after graduation, when the comforting structure of school dissolved and reality came rushing in. It became a personal outlet for expressing existential dread, inner chaos, and the quiet battles of navigating adult life. Through art and tangible creations, the brand gives voice to the struggles many face but rarely speak about.
What started in 2012 as a humble collection of hand-bound notebooks and stickers has grown into an evolving, ever-expanding collection of emotionally resonant products. From paintings and hand-painted tote bags to custom 3D-printed stainless steel rings, Ez-Link charms, coasters, uniquely designed socks, ceramics, and more—Bleak is not limited by medium. It evolves with the artist’s curiosity, materials knowledge, and technical skill.
At its core, Bleak is about connection. Through these creations, the artist hopes to remind others feeling lost, disillusioned, or overwhelmed that they are not alone. Someone sees them. Someone gets it.
About the Artist
Mui Ping is a social designer by day and illustrator, product designer and hamster-mum by night. An aspiring artist growing up, the harsh realities of life led her down the road of design instead. In an odd twist of fate however, she not only ended up enjoying her chosen course of study, but found an unexpected outlet where she could express and implement her art.
With an artist career being an uncertain one, she relegated drawing and illustrating to the side, choosing the stability of full-time work as a designer instead. Despite this, her love for drawing culminated in her own brand, Bleak illustration, as a way of documenting the hardships and life struggles through quirky illustrations.
She also has a weakness for adorable animals.
