In Her Element: Elizabeth Marlow of By Fable

There is a quiet intentionality that runs through everything Elizabeth does — from the way she paints, to how she shapes her gallery, to the way she approaches beauty in the everyday. Born in Singapore and creatively shaped in the UK, the artist and founder of _By Fable_ has built a world that feels calm, considered, and deeply personal. We spent a morning with her in her gallery to talk about simplicity, creative beginnings, motherhood, and the philosophy that guides her work

Could you start by telling us a little about yourself, your background, family and where you grew up?
I was born and raised in Singapore, one of four girls, in a very lively household. Later on, I moved to the UK for school, from secondary to art school to university. Singapore will always be home, but the UK definitely shaped my creative eye.

When and how did your journey with By Fable begin, and how has it evolved since then?
I spent years illustrating and designing for luxury and lifestyle brands, which was wonderful, but I eventually realised nothing I created truly reflected me. I felt creatively burnt out. So I made a decision to put something into the world that was entirely mine, with no feedback loops, no amends and no committees. That was the beginning of By Fable.

Your aesthetic feels beautifully minimal and timeless. How does simplicity shape your creative process and personal style?
I have always been drawn to a minimalist sensibility. Working with luxury brands taught me to be incredibly considered, and that has stayed with me. Whether it is my wardrobe or my artwork, less really is more. I get overwhelmed by too much pattern, so I naturally gravitate towards calm, uncluttered visuals. I find them far more impactful.

What has been the most fulfilling part of building By Fable, and what have been your biggest lessons along the way?
Finding people who genuinely resonate with my work has been the biggest joy. My aesthetic is very specific, and it is not for everyone, but the people who connect with it really connect with it. That has been a huge lesson for me. Stay true to what you are putting out into the world. Your people will find you.

Where do you find inspiration when you begin a new piece, and how do you approach beauty and imperfection?
I am hugely influenced by Japanese design — the care, the craft, the poetry in their visuals. I love the idea of wabi sabi, finding beauty in imperfection, in process, in the marks you do not plan. That philosophy really shapes the way I work.

⁠Is there a quote, belief or piece of advice that guides your creative journey?
I am a massive procrastinator, and my mum used to tell me, "A job started is a job half done.” When you run your own business, you are constantly switching hats, and it can feel overwhelming. But I have learnt that simply starting is the biggest hurdle. Everything flows more easily after that.

What inspired you to open your own gallery, and what do you hope to create through the space?
I wanted a gallery that did not feel intimidating, somewhere people could actually visualise how the artwork might live in their home rather than on a stark white wall. I designed the space to feel warm and lived in, almost like stepping into someone's home. It becomes much easier for people to connect with a piece when they can imagine it in their everyday life.

What does a typical day in your studio look like?
No two days are ever the same, and that is what I love. I might be painting a new abstract piece, customising an illustration, fulfilling orders or chatting with customers who wander into the gallery. There is always something unexpected, and it keeps things fun.

⁠Now that the gallery is open, what is next on the horizon for you and By Fable?
I would love to collaborate more with luxury lifestyle brands that share a similar aesthetic. Whether it is fragrance, fashion, interiors or travel, creating bespoke illustrations for beautiful products and packaging is something I am really excited to explore in 2026.

You wear many hats as an artist, entrepreneur and mum. How do you maintain your creative flow while managing everything else?
Honestly, it has been one of the biggest challenges. Opening the gallery came with a lot more admin than I expected, and it can easily crowd out the creative side. I have learnt that I need to intentionally carve out creative days where I switch off from everything else. Those days feel incredibly precious now.

⁠What are some of your favourite cafes or places to unwind or find inspiration in Singapore?
Right now, I am obsessed with Chip Bee Bistro in Holland Village. The food is incredible, the vibe is lovely and the staff are genuinely wonderful. It has become my go-to spot.

⁠Lastly, what is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People are always surprised when I tell them I do not drink, and have not for more than ten years.

Explore Elizabeth's looks here