For Singaporean visual artist Danielle Tay, art has always been about bringing a sense of wonder into the everyday. Known for her vibrant paintings, collages, and murals, she has a gift for transforming spaces into imaginative worlds filled with color, texture, and nature-inspired energy.

Having studied at LASALLE College of the Arts and later graduating with First Class Honors from London’s Slade School of Fine Art, Danielle has since built an impressive portfolio that spans gallery exhibitions, public art, and collaborations with brands like Meta, Starbucks, the Singapore Tourism Board, and, most recently, the Disney Cruise Line.

But amid these collaborations and impressive pieces of art, what makes her practice especially compelling is the way she remains rooted in her love for nature and her colorful personal world — a theme that continues to shape her creative journey. In an exclusive interview with The Beat Singapore, Danielle talked about why nature plays such a big role in her work, her exciting collaboration with Disney Cruise Line, and how she found ways to weave uniquely Singaporean elements into that project, creating a dialogue between the local and international audiences through her art.

Hi Danielle! You’ve explored different forms of art from a young age. Can you share a defining childhood memory that sparked your passion for creating?

I have very vivid memories of my childhood art teacher, where I attended art classes in his backyard. He was a senior gentleman, and his house was filled with many of his own oil paintings, making the space feel extraordinary. I was so young, but I was completely intrigued by the creative process — how a blank canvas or piece of paper could become a world of its own. It's a feeling that has never left me.

You’re known to blend painting and collaging. Was this combination something you discovered early on, or did it evolve?

This combination definitely evolved over time and was born from a moment of frustration. Toward the end of the first year of my Fine Art studies, I felt restricted by the traditional frame of a painting. I started experimenting with collage as a way to break free. It felt spontaneous and gave me the freedom to let the art spill beyond the canvas. The entire wall became my canvas, and I fell in love with how I could create something expansive that felt both structured and wonderfully chaotic.

Many of your pieces reflect nature. Can you tell us why it plays a big role in your art, and where that connection stems from?

I feel most at ease and at peace in nature. The city is often so loud and fast-paced that it can be challenging to hear your own thoughts. Nature, on the other hand, forces you to slow down. It’s like a much-needed pause. In that stillness, everything feels balanced and in a state of equilibrium, and that’s the feeling I'm constantly seeking to capture in my work.

It’s a reminder to be present and to appreciate the quieter moments.

You’ve recently worked with Disney Cruise Line. Can you tell us about how that opportunity came about?

Disney Cruise Line reached out last year, and I was very thrilled for this incredible and unexpected opportunity. Disney stories were such a big part of my childhood, and this collaboration is an absolute dream come true!

That sounds amazing! What was it like merging your own style with such an iconic Disney character, and how did you ensure the work remained uniquely “you”?

This journey of collaborating with Disney Cruise Line and various teams like Creative and Marketing has been eye-opening and exciting. I also felt a big responsibility in ensuring my artwork remained uniquely “me” while bringing to life and staying true to the essence of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and friends.

Through two-way consultations with Disney Cruise Line, I was able to find a way to let my own voice shine through while paying tribute to the portrayed Disney characters. For instance, Mickey is ever-curious, optimistic, and resourceful, holding a guidebook and searching for likely places where a lion might be, while Goofy brings his signature humor and playfulness to the artwork by popping out of the bushes in a lion headpiece.

Your work was translated into both large-scale murals and smaller merchandise items. Was it tricky to adapt your style to work for both?

The process was actually quite organic, with the core signature design of Mickey and friends with recognizable cityscape elements of Singapore as a foundation and guiding point.  From there, other aspects blossomed, and I expanded with more details, layering inspirations of Singapore’s floral and cultural influences.

For instance, the batik pattern on Mickey and Minnie’s clothing evolved into a more intricate design when it came to applications for merchandise. I created the pattern using some of my favorite “roadside” flowers we frequently see in Singapore, like bougainvillea, ixora, kopsia, and frangipani. I feel their vibrant colors contribute greatly to the landscape of Singapore, and I wanted to shine a spotlight on their beauty.

Your Disney piece definitely celebrates the spirit of Singapore. What other local elements did you intentionally weave into the artwork?

I wove in a lot of different elements, but the most prominent is the beautiful flora of Singapore, which reflects our identity as a lush Garden City with a deep connection to the sea.

I also wanted to add subtle, humorous tributes to local favorites in the artwork that bring quiet joy, like the traditional and ubiquitous “Good Morning” brand towel, coffee takeaway, and durians — a fruit many in Singapore enjoy. The captivating local legend of Sang Nila Utama and his discovery of our island also helped to shape the narrative of the artwork, embodying the spirit of Adventure.

How important is it for you that international audiences, like those aboard the Disney Adventure, see and appreciate Singapore’s visual culture?

Very important! I hope that anyone, whether they are Singaporeans or international audiences, can appreciate Singapore’s colorful heritage and recognize the unique visual flavor of Singapore through my work. Whether they are patterns in the batik or the local flora, these are ways for me to share Singapore’s culture on a global stage, and I hope it sparks a sense of curiosity and a deeper appreciation for our rich history and traditions.

What would you say is your most memorable moment from this experience?

One of the questions posed to me early on the journey was “What does Disney mean to you?”

This immediately sparked memories of my first visit to Disneyland and experiencing the fireworks in front of the iconic castle. It was such a magical and unforgettable feeling. I actually got emotional recalling this memory, and it even prompted me to unearth a small collection of my memorabilia from the visit.

Having worked with major brands, how do you ensure your signature style remains consistent across varying projects?

For me, consistency isn't about repeating the same motif, but about maintaining the same authentic energy. My style is a reflection of my inner world, and I cultivate that consistency by intentionally staying connected to what feels true to me. Every project is a new conversation, but I always listen for the same voice — that unique sense of life and emotion that I express through my use of form and color. It’s a practice of trusting my intuition and ensuring that authenticity remains at the core of everything I create. That's how I make certain my signature style shines through every time, regardless of the client or medium.

What’s next for you? Are there any projects in the pipeline that you’re looking forward to?

I just had an exhibition with Studio Yono, an amazing art and design store located in New Bahru in Singapore, earlier this month. Currently, I’m working on a whimsical mural for an elementary school. It’s a fun and rewarding challenge to create something with children as the primary audience, and I can’t wait to see their reactions.

You can learn more about Danielle Tay and her works on her website or follow her on Facebook and Instagram for updates on her creative journey and upcoming exhibitions.

Enjoyed this article? Check out our previous Artist Spotlight profiles here.