Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anita Chen Fu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anita, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

From the moment I could hold a pencil—barely at the age of two—drawing became my first language, even before I could read or write. Recognizing my passion, my mom enrolled me in private art lessons at a young age, where I eagerly explored different materials and techniques. Over the years, I had several art teachers, but it was my last mentor, Katia San Millán, along with one of my best friends, who gave me the final push to pursue art professionally. With the unwavering support of my family, I entered Chavón, La Escuela de Diseño, where I learned to merge concept, storytelling, and craft. Those two years of intensive training led me to the Parsons School of Design in New York, where I discovered even more creative possibilities. Beyond the technical skills, my time in New York also taught me about independence, resilience, and the irreplaceable value of family and friendships. Through this journey, I realized that illustration was my true passion, and design was the path I wanted to pursue.

Looking back, I believe I could have sped up my learning process by pushing myself to experiment even more outside of class assignments. Personal projects, daily sketching, and actively seeking feedback from professionals could have helped me refine my skills faster. I also wish I had taken advantage of more school workshops/laboratories and networking opportunities earlier on. Time management and discipline were crucial skills—learning how to balance practice, research, and execution efficiently made a huge difference.

The most essential skills in my journey were observation, adaptability, and storytelling. Observing the world around me, studying different art styles, and understanding composition and color theory helped strengthen my artistic foundation and led me to a newfound passion: Reportage Illustration. Adaptability allowed me to explore various techniques and mediums without fear, while storytelling helped me create meaningful work.

However, there were obstacles along the way. Self-doubt and perfectionism sometimes slowed me down, making it difficult to confidently share my work. Balancing academic workload with personal exploration was another challenge—at times, the structured nature of assignments limited the freedom to experiment. Additionally, living in a fast-paced city like New York came with its own set of difficulties, from long commutes and financial stress to the overwhelming pressure of competition between classmates and colleagues. Despite these challenges, each hurdle ultimately shaped my growth, teaching me resilience and the importance of staying true to my creative voice.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As an Illustrator and Designer, I specialize in reportage and editorial illustration, though I also work on children’s book illustrations, branding, and simple animations. My work is driven by storytelling, observation, and adaptability, allowing me to bring ideas to life across different formats and mediums. Whether it’s capturing a moment through reportage illustration or creating engaging visuals for editorial pieces, I always strive to produce thoughtful, high-quality work tailored to each project’s needs.

What sets me apart is my strong work ethic and commitment to both creative freedom and client satisfaction. I am highly time-sensitive, ensuring timely submissions while keeping clients updated throughout the process. I believe in balancing artistic vision with functionality, delivering work that is both visually compelling and effective. I take pride in my versatility, working seamlessly with both traditional and digital tools and adapting to various industries and project requirements. More than anything, I want my clients and followers to know that I approach every project with passion, precision, and dedication to producing meaningful and impactful designs.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can best support artists and creative ecosystems by recognizing the true value of art—not just as decoration or entertainment, but as a vital force in culture, communication, and problem-solving. Art has the power to document history, challenge perspectives, and inspire change. By trusting artists and giving them more creative freedom, society can foster innovation and allow for more meaningful work to emerge. Too often, artists are boxed into rigid expectations or undervalued in professional settings, which limits their ability to contribute fully.

One of the most important steps is to normalize art as both an essential part of education and a legitimate profession. Schools should integrate art into their curricula not just as an elective but as a fundamental subject that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and storytelling. Likewise, businesses and industries should see artists as professionals whose skills are as valuable as those in any other field. Providing fair pay, better funding for artistic projects, and platforms for artists to share their work without excessive constraints would help creative communities thrive. By shifting perspectives and offering tangible support, society can create an environment where artists feel empowered, respected, and able to do their best work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to bring ideas to life and make an impact through visual storytelling. Whether it’s through reportage illustration, editorial work, or children’s books, knowing that my art can inform, inspire, or connect with people on a deeper level is incredibly fulfilling. Seeing my work resonate with an audience, evoke emotions, or spark conversations reminds me why I chose this path.

Another deeply rewarding aspect is the creative freedom and adaptability that come with being an artist. Every project is an opportunity to explore new techniques, challenge myself, and expand my artistic voice. I love the balance between creative expression and problem-solving—finding ways to merge my artistic vision with a client’s needs while maintaining the function and quality of the work. Additionally, the constant learning process, whether through experimenting with different mediums or adapting to new industries, keeps the journey exciting and ever-evolving. Despite the challenges, the ability to create, communicate, and contribute to society through art is what makes this profession so meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anitachenfu.wixsite.com/anita-chen-fu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just.a.colorful.mess?igsh=YndyYzNhdjE2bTVu
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-chen-fu

Image Credits

Illustrations by Anita Chen Fu. All rights reserved.