We caught up with the brilliant and insightful An Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

An, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Important lesson learned at a prior job:

I once worked at a design studio where I came to realize that no matter how hard I worked to create the best design, all the credit went to the entire studio, particularly the owner or the art director. When people viewed the designs I created, they would only associate them with the studio’s name. It was then that I understood the importance of establishing my own brand and promoting my designs and artwork under the name An Chen, rather than as an employee of a studio. This realization prompted me to resign and commit to becoming an independent full-time illustrator/designer.

Earning a full-time living from your creative work :

It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since I started my journey as a full-time illustrator. The ability to sustain myself solely through commissions is truly astonishing to me. I feel immensely fortunate and appreciative of every opportunity I have had. Most importantly, I owe a debt of gratitude to myself for having the courage to take the leap and pursue my dream. Had I not left my previous job to pursue illustration, I would never have discovered my capability to thrive in this field on a full-time basis.

Are you happy as an artist or creative? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a regular job?

I frequently question the decisions I’ve made, especially since freelancing can be quite unstable. There are occasions when I secure substantial projects that sustain me for six months, yet there are also months with no work at all. During these periods, I will miss the stability of a regular job. Many people advise against turning your hobbies into a profession, fearing it might destroy your passion. However, I simply can’t imagine spending eight hours a day just to meet financial needs. I believe that a person’s time and life hold greater value than money.

Do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later:

I wish I had started doing what I’m doing now back in my early twenties. When you’re young, you have more resilience to endure hardships—you can survive on cheap food and live in tiny rooms, with lower standards for quality of life. You can dedicate all your resources to your creative pursuits. However, as you grow older, there are more practical considerations to take into account—such as starting a family, maintaining your health, and caring for loved ones—all of which require a more mature and stable source of income. Yet, when you’re young, you can’t foresee the bigger picture or anticipate these possibilities. It’s all just fate and serendipity.

Taking a risk:

As an independent worker, you’re constantly making various decisions. You’re your own boss, your own creative director. While it’s comfortable to play it safe and remain in your own comfort zone, I always motivate myself to be adventurous and explore new opportunities.

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 am a Taiwanese illustrator based in London known for my clean, angular lines and dynamic abstract illustration, with clients including Apple, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal…etc.

My journey as an illustrator began with a commission for a children’s magazine in the UK, which I secured by actively submitting my work. Initially, I studied graphic design, but my passion shifted towards illustration after working on a branding project where I utilized geometric shapes to create a series of illustrations.

Two notable projects in my career include designing the visual identity for Apple’s AAPI Month, which served as a significant validation of my skills, and creating an animated children’s music video. The latter project held particular meaning for me when I saw how much my family enjoyed it!

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

The most effective way to grow social media audiences is to produce content consistently and regularly. As an artist, inspiration doesn’t always strike at convenient times, making it difficult to maintain a steady flow of creative output. My approach is to allocate 1-2 hours each day to focus exclusively on my own creations, regardless of how busy or idle work may be. Even if no tangible output is produced during this time, the goal is to foster a daily habit of creativity. It’s also important not to put too much pressure on oneself.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I truly wish there were as many diverse media and social platforms available when I was studying as there are now. It would have been incredible to have the opportunity to share my creations with people all over the world. With just a click, you can expand your horizons and build your own audience for your work. In contrast to the past, where your abilities were frequently evaluated solely on whether a client would hire you or not, nowadays you can measure your success through views and likes, which can give you more confidence in your work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anchenillustration.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anchenillustration/

Image Credits
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