We were lucky to catch up with Ameily Chang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ameily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I’m an animator and designer from Taiwan, currently living in the vibrant city of New York. Now pursuing an MFA degree at Parsons in Design and Technology, with a focus on animation and entertainment. I’ve always been passionate about bringing my creations to life.

However, my journey to a full-time career in animation had an unexpected detour in 2020. Amidst the chaos of a global pandemic, personal reasons led me to leave New York and return to Taiwan before completing my undergraduate studies at Parsons. Despite the challenges, I felt fortunate that Taiwan’s swift response to the pandemic allowed me to continue my creative pursuits with relative ease.

Back in Taiwan, with no savings and uncertainty looming, I initially moved in with my parents. In June, I secured my first full-time job, although it wasn’t the ideal role for someone aspiring to create animations and motion graphics. The position focused more on static designs and illustrations, but I embraced the opportunity, not fully aware of where it would lead me.

While the work environment was intense, it lacked the creative freedom I desired. Determined to showcase my unique talents and learn, I immersed myself in the role, continuously expressing my interest in animation-related projects. Impressively, my efforts caught the attention of the art director, leading to a shift in my responsibilities towards storyboarding and animation designs for the 3D department.

Simultaneously, I refused to rest in my spare time. Outside of work, I launched an Instagram account to channel the creative energy that couldn’t find an outlet in my job. A chance fan art creation for the popular YouTube channel Lo-fi Girl went viral, earning me media coverage and a contract animator position with them.

This marked the beginning of a dual life—working full-time as an artist on weekdays and as a contract animator on weekends. Embracing the hustle lifestyle, I found joy in staying busy, rapidly building up my portfolio and expanding my client base beyond Lo-fi Girl.

With a growing portfolio, financial stability, and an unwavering passion for animation, I decided to explore opportunities in other cities. Fate led me to a 2D animation job opening in Taipei City, three hours away from my hometown. After weeks of interviews and long travels, I secured a position at Dcard, Taiwan’s equivalent of Reddit, known for its modern and creative work environment.

At Dcard, I not only gained the title of a full-time animator but also found a workplace that respected and fulfilled my desire for creative control. Yet, even in this fulfilling role, I continued to work with external clients, juggling both positions with enthusiasm. It was during this period that I recognized the importance of a work-life balance and decided to pursue further education.

Now a student again, I’ve maintained a steady income from contract clients while building valuable connections in Taiwan. As I balance my studies, work, and client projects, I’m grateful for the diverse experiences that have shaped my creative journey, and I look forward to the continued growth and innovation in my field.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, lies in the profound emotional impact my work can have on people. The ability to move individuals to tears through my art is a testament to the power of storytelling and its capacity to connect us on the deepest human level.

One poignant example of this occurred when I collaborated with the clothing brand Alien Evolution Studio, owned by the late Taiwanese public figure Alien Huang. On the one-year anniversary of Huang’s passing, his family approached me to create an animation paying tribute to his life. The animation, showcased at an exhibition in Taipei City alongside Huang’s works, moved attendees to tears as it served as a heartfelt reminder of the beloved celebrity they terribly missed. Being able to witness this emotional response was tremendously rewarding and touching.

Another instance unfolded during a personal moment of grief when we had to say goodbye to our family dog of 16 years. Unable to sleep, I channeled my emotions into an animation paying tribute to our furry companion. The animation, shared on Instagram, resonated with people who had lost their own pets, moving them to tears and creating a shared experience of loss and love.

These moments reinforce my belief in the transformative power of art created with genuine emotion. The ability to convey and express my feelings through my work, fostering a shared emotional experience with my audience, is a beautiful and deeply fulfilling aspect of my creative journey. It underscores the profound connection we can establish as humans through the universal language of emotions.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been an evolving journey, and finding my unique style played a pivotal role in the process. Initially, my content was diverse, featuring music, animation, illustration, and more. I believed showcasing a broad range of talents would be beneficial. However, I soon realized that social media is not just a portfolio; it’s a curated experience for the audience.

The turning point came when I started focusing on a consistent theme – animated romance and couple content. This shift helped me become more recognizable and cater to a specific target audience. I learned that consistency in content topics is key to building a dedicated following.

Constructing my social media presence from the perspective of my audience was crucial. I reflected on the accounts I found most impressive and realized it was their content consistency that stood out. This led me to streamline my content and establish a posting schedule.

Staying in the loop with trends is essential, but I also acknowledge the unpredictable nature of algorithms. Sometimes, success boils down to luck. However, I firmly believe that good quality content will always gain the attention it deserves, albeit with a bit of patience.

My advice to those starting to build their social media presence is to find your unique style and stick to consistent content themes. Understand your target audience and construct your content to resonate with them. Keep a close eye on trends, maintain a posting schedule, and remember that success often comes to those who stay dedicated and produce high-quality content.

Contact Info:

• Website: ameilywithana.wixsite.com/ameilywithana
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameily_with_an_a/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ameilychang/