We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chang Wan Alex Jin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chang Wan Alex thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In 2016, I decided to study abroad in the U.S. while living in Korea, with the dream and plan to stay in New York after graduation and keep my career as an artist. However, moving to a foreign country with no connections was not an easy task, and it was a costly plan. Many international students in the U.S. pay enormous tuition fees but end up returning to their home countries after finishing their studies without being able to settle in the U.S. In order for me to stay in New York after graduation and continue my artistic career, I needed to have my talents as an artist recognized by the world. Establishing myself as an artist and making a living in the U.S. market seemed like a vague and difficult task. However, despite the significant costs, I thought that even if I failed to settle in New York after graduation, I wouldn’t have much to lose. I believed that the experience of studying abroad would make me a better version of myself, and so I made the decision to move to the U.S. in 2017.
Through hard work and dedication to my studies, I was able to develop my own body of work. After graduation, I received a scouting offer from an art studio in New York (Rko Studio) and began working on my art. With the studio’s sponsorship, I gained recognition for my talents as an artist from the immigration office and was granted a stay permit. Now, I am living my dream and continuing my artistic endeavors in New York.
What I’ve realized recently is that life is unpredictable and doesn’t always go as planned. But sometimes, when you dedicate yourself fully to the task at hand and give your best effort, unexpected rewards come your way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have loved drawing since I was a child, and I decided to pursue a career in art around the age of 17. The turning point that led me to become fascinated with hyperrealism was when I saw the works of Chinese artist Leng Jun, which inspired me to start working in this style. To improve my skills, I carefully copied and studied the works of famous masters, and I drew almost every day, spending up to 10 hours a day on my art. I primarily work with oil paintings of people, still lifes, and landscapes, and I take reference photos myself for the creation of my works.
The aspect I focus on most when creating a piece is that I want the viewers to feel moved and enjoy the work. I hope to touch and bring joy to many people with the talent I possess.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my art business partner, Ran Ortner, by chance when he reached out to me on Instagram after seeing my artwork. He sent me a message suggesting that we collaborate and work together.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I experience a slump or hit a limit where I feel like giving up, I push myself even harder to overcome it. I reflect on myself and pour all my energy into solving the problem and difficult situation at hand. I am the type who becomes stronger when faced with a crisis. Of course, if I were to only push through every time during tough periods, I could eventually burn out.
But once I’ve given everything I’ve got and accepted whatever results may come, I feel a sense of mental ease. The thought that I will grow through overcoming the crisis has been a strong driving force for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: blackjin519