Crazy over Mindy

24-year-old  freelance illustrator Kay Aranzanso was surprised by an unexpected shout-out from Mindy Kaling  herself, when the award-winning comedian reposted her work for Young STAR.

MANILA, Philippines - Despite social media’s big role in immortalizing events like the Young STAR prom, some of us choose not to check our Twitters and Instagrams the morning after (see: embarrassing drunk photos, accidentally photobombing a celebrity). But those who brave social media will witness great things — like The Mindy Project creator/actress/producer Mindy Kaling using Young STAR’s illustration of her from last week’s anniversary issue.

We caught up with Kay Aranzanso, the artist behind Kaling’s portrait, for a quick interview about her future plans and her reaction to the unexpected surprise.

YOUNG STAR: How did you get started with illustration? 

KAY ARAZANSO: I started at a very young age, took up fine arts in UP and there I honed my skills more.

What was your reaction when you found out that Mindy regrammed your illustration of her? 

I died, haha! It was really exciting. I’m very humbled as well. There was a part of me that hoped for something like this to happen but that was just fantasy until, you know, Mindy posted it and made it her IG profile pic! I’m really thankful.

Any exhibits or projects we should look out for from you in 2014? 

I will be taking part in Sinag Microfunds’ “Dreams on Canvas” opening on May 24. I’m working on projects for Betamaks Studios and Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan. I’ll also be holding chalk art and typography workshops soon, so do watch out for that!  — Maine Manalansan

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Follow Kay Aranzanso on Instagram (@kayaranzanso)