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An animation of a factory assembly line where robotic arms move razors along a conveyor belt. A person in a blue jumpsuit and orange cap operates a large blue control machine.

Modern life as told by Tomi Um’s tidy lines and sense of humour

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Date
17 March 2016

New York illustrator Tomi Um works in that neat, confident style that lends itself well to both commercial and editorial illustration. We were turned onto her work last year and her output only continues to impress. Whether creating new work for the Guggenheim or recent step-by-step illustrations for Harry’s razors, the quality is always top-level. Her crowded and chaotic street scenes, and stylish interiors have the double effect of being both naive and skilled at once, and it comes as no surprise that she juggles an extraordinary number of commissions.

An illustration of a large, grey spiral maze filled with small figures. Some people wander the paths, while others climb over the walls or peer in from the outside.
An illustration of a person in a dark tuxedo dancing with a figure who has multiple arms and legs. The dancing partner wears a flowing yellow dress and spins rapidly, creating a blurred effect.
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Tomi Um: Harry’s Five O’Clock

An illustration of several people working around a large, orange H-shaped desk. They are using laptops, tablets and sketches, with a vase of plants sitting in the centre.
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Tomi Um: Harry’s Five O’Clock

An animation in which a person with a beard is shown in a series of shaving scenarios. A hand pulls at their skin, then a razor glides down their cheek alongside musical notes, before two cherubs apply shaving cream and a tube of product.
An animation in which a series of simple illustrations flash by on a white background. Scenes include a person at a desk, a couple kissing, a teacher with students, a sick dog, and a person in military dress.
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Tomi Um: The Ethicist

An illustration of a bustling city street in an isometric style. People walk, cycle and drive through a crowded market area with blue-roofed stalls and pink buildings.
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Tomi Um: MIT Review

An illustration of a person relaxing on a light blue sofa, reading a book. They are surrounded by various home gadgets, including a coffee machine, a smart thermostat and a large arched lamp.
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Tomi Um: The Wall Street Journal

An illustration of a crowd of colourful, stylised dogs piling onto a bright red sofa. The dogs are in various poses, with some jumping over the back and others lounging across the cushions.
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Tomi Um: This Old House

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About the Author

Alexander Hawkins

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