The high-energy creative

SINGAPORE - Video designer Eman Raharno Jeman reserves the nights and early mornings for his passion, art.

The 28-year-old knocks off from his workplace at Clarke Quay's The Cannery at about 7pm, grabs a quick dinner and heads over to his artist studio at Sultan Gate in the Kampong Glam area by 8pm.

Once there, he assumes the identity of his graffiti artist-cum-illustrator self. He has done commissioned artworks and been invited to paint murals overseas under the name Clogtwo.

"I'm really pumped up and excited when I reach my studio. I get to work straightaway," he says.

His work by night could be a painting, drawing or new installation. He shares the studio with fellow street artist Inkten, whose real name is Nadirah Abdul Razak, 25.

Once Mr Eman, who is single, begins, he does not stop until at least 4am. He clocks such hours at the studio at least five days a week.

"I see this as my personal time, time for me to do something I'm passionate about. It keeps me sane. There is retail therapy, right? This is my therapy," he says.

When he is done, he usually takes a taxi home to Pasir Ris, where he lives with his parents and younger sister in a four-room flat.

When he is rushing to complete a project, however, he sometimes ends up sleeping in his studio.

"There's a couch for me to sleep on and I keep clothes and toiletries there anyway, so I can go to work from there."

At work during the day, he stays awake and alert with the help of four cups of coffee and also by "telling myself I am not tired".

He adds, with a laugh: "I think when you psychologically tell yourself you are fine, you will physically feel fine.

"I also have a checklist of things to do each day, so I just focus on these things."

His friends have told him to ease up on his pace of life as it could affect his health. His parents, while supportive of his interests, are always nudging him to take supplements.

"Sometimes, I listen to them and have some chicken essence. Or I just pop a few Panadols," he says.

He insists that he feels none the worse after his late nights, but occasionally wonders if the long hours may already be taking a toll on his health.

Still, he is not yet willing to put an end to this self-imposed work schedule.

"My work at night satisfies me. Time is of the essence. I want to keep going because I do not want to feel unaccomplished as a person," he says.

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