We were lucky to catch up with Chennie Tsai recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chennie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was when I was 18. Growing up with parents who were designers, I never faced the usual skepticism about making a living as an artist—the classic “artists can’t make money” notion often voiced by Asian parents. Instead, I had their quiet support, which made me feel lucky.

But my real inspiration struck during an exhibition at my landscape architecture program. A senior who had graduated before me returned to our school to host an exhibition and give a talk. After graduation, she had become a flight attendant, but what truly fascinated me was how she began sketching her way around the world, documenting every place she visited in her sketchbooks.

I remember being in awe as I walked through her exhibition, thinking, Wow, her work is GOOD. But what left an even deeper impact was seeing her in person, listening to her share her journey, and flipping through her sketchbooks myself. I realized then just how powerful it can be to record everyday experiences through art—it’s like capturing the essence of life in every sketch.

That experience lit a spark in me, and I started drawing a little every day, aiming to capture the small yet meaningful moments of my own life. It was in that moment that I felt, maybe for the first time, that this was the path I wanted to follow.

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?

Hi, I’m Chennie. I grew up surrounded by the world of design, thanks to my parents, who are both landscape architects. This background gave me a unique appreciation for the balance between art and nature.

Creative Work & Services: Today, I focus on creating sketches, landscapes, and animal drawings, blending my love for nature with my passion for visual storytelling. I also enjoy creating journal collages and diary-style art that brings a personal touch to my work. My background in landscape architecture gives me a distinct perspective on space, nature, and design, which often influences my creative process.

What sets me apart is my deep connection to nature and animals, which comes from my background in environmental-related fields. I have a strong emotional bond with the subjects I paint, especially animals. I’m particularly skilled at capturing their expressions in a way that brings out their personality and emotions, allowing viewers to feel the spirit of each animal through my art.

I’m most proud of helping people preserve those beautiful, unforgettable moments. Over the years, I’ve created artwork for more than 100 pets, and what moves me the most is the opportunity to paint pets that have passed away. Through my work, I help pet owners reconnect with the soul of their beloved companions, offering them a way to keep their memories alive. It’s not just about capturing a moment like a photograph—it’s about creating a soulful tribute with each stroke of the brush, immortalizing the things that matter most.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create emotional connections through my work. Whether it’s capturing the unique personality of an animal or preserving a special moment, I love knowing that my art resonates with people on a deeper level. Helping someone reconnect with a beloved pet or evoke a cherished memory is incredibly fulfilling.

What also stands out is the amazing community I’ve built through my art. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to meet so many genuine, kind-hearted friends who share a passion for creativity. These friendships are an unexpected gift that makes this journey even more special.

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

Building my audience on social media has been a fulfilling journey. Here are a few key lessons and tips for those just starting out:

1. First Impressions Matter:
Choose a memorable username that reflects your artistic style. A catchy ID helps people remember you and makes it easier for them to find you later.

2. Focus on Authenticity:
Don’t get too caught up in the numbers. Instead, concentrate on sharing what you love and doing it authentically. Your passion will resonate with others and attract a genuine audience.

3. Embrace Possibilities:
Social media is full of unexpected opportunities! Be open to exploring new content and connecting with diverse people. You never know where these connections might lead.

Ultimately, it’s about creating a community around your passions. Stay true to yourself, keep sharing, and enjoy the journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://itstchennii.wixsite.com/chenniet
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chenni.t.sketching/