We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amelia Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amelia, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey and embraced the role of an independent artist back in 2019. Currently, I’m engaged in two distinct pursuits:
Firstly, I offer design services tailored for press, commercials, and corporate rebranding campaigns. My passion for art has been cultivated since age of seven, and it has evolved into an integral part of my life—a true lifestyle. I hold a deep appreciation for art and aspire to enhance the aesthetic experiences of individuals and businesses with specific creative needs. I appreciate the attention given to art and beauty in the United States, and I firmly believe that art can enhance people’s lives and bring them joy.
Secondly, I dedicate my time to educating and mentoring aspiring young individuals in the realm of motion graphics. These students share a strong enthusiasm for the design and animation industry. Through this pursuit, I aim to share my knowledge and passion with the upcoming generation of creative minds. My goal is to pass on my wealth of experience, enabling them to progress faster and navigate their learning journey more efficiently. My desire is to inspire and assist people in their creative growth.
My primary focus in my current life stage is to assist people in both creating beautiful art and fostering personal growth. I think it’s a beautiful and meaningful thing to do.
Amelia, 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?
I’m Amelia Chen. I’m a designer, an amateur photographer, a teacher, a blogger, and I consider myself a life artist. My journey into the world of art began at the age of 7, thanks to the influence of my father and grandfather, both of whom were talented artists. Their artistic legacy ignited a passion within me, and I knew from a young age that I wanted to become an artist when I grew up.
I embarked on my artistic path early, enrolling in art school at the age of 13. The thought of abandoning art at any point filled me with deep regret, for by then, I had become inseparable from the world of creativity. I pursued a B.F.A. in multimedia and website design and later pursued an M.A. in motion media.
Becoming an independent artist was never in my original plans. However, with the arrival of Covid in 2019, my life plan took a complete turn, pushing me into independent artistry against my initial intentions. Life consistently delivers surprises that we must confront. In reality, that particular experience not only strengthened me but also boosted my confidence in both my skills and career. I did design and illustration for various production companies, advertising agencies, and other mediums, and even had the chance to collaborate with celebrities. I have successfully undertaken promotional projects for industry giants such as Amazon, Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, Meta, Google, PBS, Walmart, OPPO, and numerous others. What fills me with the greatest pride is my ability to tackle intricate design challenges, adapt to evolving demands, and consistently deliver top-tier work quality. I am confident in my achievements and remain committed to continuous learning and further development, fully aware of my untapped potential.
In 2021, I started sharing my working and studying experiences through blogging on social media. Soon after, I began receiving a flood of inquiries from young individuals seeking guidance on topics related to motion design, the animation industry, and career paths. Recognizing the high demand for knowledge in these areas, I made the decision to take on students, offering instruction in motion design, illustration, and character design. Additionally, I ventured into providing consulting services to further assist those interested in these creative fields. I find such joy in helping young individuals in pursuing their artistic passions and fostering their growth.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I believe that everyone possesses unique qualities and something valuable to contribute. My journey began with no audience on social media and no clients for my business. When it comes to succeeding on social media, two crucial elements come to mind. The first is the dedication to producing and sharing high-quality content, which requires time and effort. The second is patience—lots of it. It’s natural to feel frustrated when your audience and followers are limited, but as long as you persevere, consistently share valuable content, and remain committed, your social media presence will gradually grow. The key is never giving up. Rather than fixating on the number of followers, stay focused and keep at it. One day, your persistence will reap the rewards it deserves. I began with no followers on my blog platform and Behance, but I allowed myself the time and established clear goals. Embrace self-acceptance and don’t fear judgment, especially from yourself. It’s perfectly fine to experience gradual growth on social media in the initial stages. Just remember, as long as you persist, the results will eventually manifest.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think reputation is built upon trust, and trust is established through the quality of your work, unwavering commitment, and professionalism. If you consistently produce high-quality work, your reputation will naturally flourish. The industry may be relatively small, but word about your excellence will inevitably spread. I’ve experienced instances where individuals I’ve collaborated with have not only entrusted me with more work but have also recommended me to other companies and friends. Be kind and genuine to other people even in the working and business environment, be collaborative especially. People will genuinely appreciate your dedication to your work, your kindness, your authenticity, and your professionalism. All these things can build your reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ameliachen.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliac.life/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelialinchen21/
- Other: Life Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliamiya/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/amelia_chen
Image Credits
Amelia Chen