We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Naiqian Chen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Naiqian below.
Naiqian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Looking back at the pivotal moments in my life, I realize how often I’ve taken life-changing risks. At age 13, I left my home country and family behind to live as a boarder, marking the first of many bold decisions. A few years later, I made an even more dramatic shift: three months before the application deadline, I abandoned my liberal arts path and enrolled in an art school. That spontaneous leap set me on a new course, one that I hadn’t anticipated.
Originally, I envisioned a future as a freelance editorial illustrator. Yet, somehow, I found myself standing in front of a classroom, facing a role I never imagined—teaching high school students. It’s hard to picture where I’ll be in the coming years or what I’ll be doing. Uncertainty seems to follow me at every turn.
These changes have come with emotional highs and lows, often accompanied by a relentless sense of imposter syndrome. I sometimes wonder if life would be easier if I just stayed in my comfort zone. But then again, would I have grown as much? As I’ve thrown myself into working out, finding better ways to manage stress, and seeking guidance from mentor-like colleagues, I’ve felt my confidence strengthen, piece by piece.
Despite having no teaching experience, I signed that contract. Public speaking, for an introvert like me, felt like climbing a mountain—each lecture stretching 90 long minutes. The nerves still hit hard before every class. But I haven’t regretted a single decision. There’s a thrill in taking on things I’m not naturally good at. If one path doesn’t work, why not try another? Just like I tell my students in art class: “All the greats started with the basics. They made mistakes, practiced, and persevered.”
Though my teaching journey is just beginning, I’m eager to keep learning and improving. I’ve found a special connection with students who are also introverts. I understand their struggles, and I’m grateful for the chance to support them as they navigate their own journeys.
Naiqian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My love for travel and cultural exploration has always sparked my passion for art, particularly the diverse styles and techniques from different parts of the world. As I neared graduation, uncertain about my career path, I turned to self-assessment tools to gain clarity. The Holland Hexagon career assessment pointed me toward two paths I hadn’t seriously considered: becoming a therapist or a teacher. The result shows more or less the same career survey I did back in high school. It felt surprising, but when a teaching opportunity came up just before I graduated, I decided to take a leap.
Returning to my hometown after years abroad, I found myself stepping into the unexpected role of a high school art teacher. This position gave me a way to reconnect with my roots while pursuing a career that felt both unfamiliar and surprisingly fulfilling. I often reflect on the teachings of my college professors, who profoundly influenced my approach to education. Their mentorship continues to guide me, and I strive to pass on the same spirit of creativity, curiosity, and commitment to my students.
Though I’m naturally reserved and public speaking has never been my strength, I’ve found a different kind of fulfillment in helping others grow. Watching my students make progress, both in art and in their personal development, gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. While my personal illustration projects have taken a backseat, my work in the classroom keeps me connected to the creative process. The collaborative learning environment often surprises me—I teach, but I also learn alongside my students, and sometimes from them.
I am deeply grateful for the support and mentorship I’ve received throughout my journey. What I’m especially proud of is my ability to balance being structured and efficient in the classroom while maintaining a more relaxed, flexible approach outside of it. This balance has allowed me to create a positive and productive learning environment, all while staying true to who I am.
Looking back, I know there are alternate versions of my life where I may have followed a different path. But reflecting on the past, being present in the moment, and looking forward to the future reminds me that every step has its purpose. And right now, this path feels right.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Books:
– Steal like an Artist by Austin Kleon – This has helped me to get our of the idea that everything has to be original. I also require my students to read the book so that they are more comfortable learning from other artists in the world
– Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers (The Strategyzer series)
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in the process of transforming texts into imagery. As someone who enjoys editorial illustration, I like finding creative ways to simplify and capture a whole paragraph in just one picture. The challenge of interpreting written content and finding creative ways to visually represent its essence is both stimulating and fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://naiqianchen.com/
- Instagram: @secretartworkhere
