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

Alright, Cecily thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Being an artist is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It fuels my creativity and keeps me deeply connected to my inner self in ways nothing else can. However, the journey is not always easy. I sometimes wonder what life might have been like if I had chosen a conventional career—a stable, predictable, and perhaps less stressful 9-to-5 job where expectations are clear, and the constant creative pressure is absent.

I once applied for a children’s book project in China that offered very low pay, and I only completed a coloring test for the application. Despite presenting my portfolio, they showed little interest in my artistic style or the broader range of work I could offer. They merely needed someone to fill a specific role without the freedom to inject any personal ideas or creativity into the project. Ultimately, they rejected me, claiming that I did not meet their expectations—even though I had followed their instructions precisely.

That experience left me feeling like just another cog in a machine, forced to perform work that neither aligned with my strengths nor ignited my passion. It highlighted one of the harsh realities of being an artist: sometimes, you must accept projects that lack inspiration merely to make ends meet. Yet, from that experience, I began to reevaluate my artistic journey and rediscover the profound joy inherent in the act of creation.

Every artist faces moments of doubt and frustration—the lack of recognition, working on projects that conflict with one’s vision or struggling to earn a living from a deeply personal and often undervalued pursuit. Despite these challenges, I remain convinced that being an artist is my calling. The essence of my work lies in the fundamental need to create, a passion I wouldn’t trade for anything, even during the most challenging times.

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.

My name is Cecily Su. I am an emerging artist currently living in New York. I am an illustrator and jewelry designer studying at the School of Visual Arts. My work centers on fantasy worlds, weaving together romantic, dreamy, and heartwarming narratives that blend reality with surrealism to create imaginative and poetic visual experiences. I incorporate natural landscapes and fantastical creatures into my images to express the idea of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Since childhood, I have been inspired by fairy tales and am particularly captivated by their blend of innocence with illogical, enigmatic storylines and striking character designs. These elements often evoke a subtle undercurrent of tragedy amidst warmth, forming the core inspiration behind my art.

I actively participate in art fairs, the Jersey Book Fair, Anime NYC, and Mocca. I am relishing the opportunity to connect with a diverse community of creators and audiences who appreciate my work. I highly value the feedback I receive from different viewers. One of my proudest achievements is my first independent original series, Romantic Universe, created during my first year of college, which garnered widespread online acclaim and support. The positive reception from my readers and the chance to share my work with a broader audience remain some of the greatest motivators for my creative endeavors.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most fulfilling moments are earning money from my illustrations and receiving awards for my work. I still remember when my first independent series, Romantic Universe, gained significant attention and admiration online. Many postcard companies reached out to collaborate, and eventually, I signed a contract and sold thousands of copies. This became my first substantial earnings as an artist and brought me an immense sense of achievement.

I am truly grateful for this experience because, in countless moments of self-doubt about my work, looking back on this accomplishment reignites my confidence and motivates me to keep going. Monetizing one’s art while ensuring financial stability is a challenging endeavor. For a professional illustrator, striking a balance between original creations and commissioned work is essential. Often, artists have to produce commercial pieces to sustain themselves. In such a profit-driven market, being able to gain recognition and success through the work I genuinely love is especially valuable.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

As an artist, learning to earn a living from your art is a very practical challenge. However, I believe that focusing on your work’s commercial aspects too early can restrict your creative vision. While learning to paint and developing my style, I constantly worried about whether any companies or art directors would want to collaborate with me and how I should paint to attract more likes, exposure, and a large following on social media. This mindset led me to waste a lot of time on meaningless pursuits—producing works that were unattractive, unrecognized by the public, or even pieces I didn’t like.

I wish someone had told me, or that I had realized sooner, that before you need to rely on monetizing your art to make ends meet, it’s essential to devote more time to your own creations and strive to produce work that truly satisfies you and fills you with pride. Time will prove everything. Because once you truly have to make a living through your art, you may no longer have the opportunity to create solely for yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: cecilysuart.com (currently creating it）
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galax_ydaydreamer?igsh=MXhmdzgzbHE1ZjFwNQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: Rednote: 白日银河系小狗

Image Credits

Cecily Su