We recently connected with Cyan Lin and have shared our conversation below.

Cyan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’ve always been passionate about art, so learning to do what I do now has been an ongoing process of growth. I’ve loved drawing since I was a kid, and I’m very grateful for my parents, who gave me more opportunities to learn. I still remember drawing a big butterfly as a child, with many smaller butterflies on its wings. To complete this piece, my dad gave me a collection of butterfly specimens as a gift. Later, this painting won a gold prize. With my parents’ support, I participated in more art classes, where I learned sketching, watercolor and gouache. During this time, I practiced drawing a lot every day, which laid a solid foundation for me. During my undergraduate studies, I chose printmaking and learned the techniques of printmaking. In my master’s program, I decided to move towards a more commercial direction, so I chose illustration. After graduation, I actively sought collaborations with publishers, which helped me improve my skills and understand the practical aspects of being an illustrator. At the same time, I’ve always kept my curiosity alive—by visiting art exhibitions, reading widely, and exploring new artistic techniques. Every project and collaboration I’ve taken part in has become an opportunity for learning, shaping my approach to illustration today.

Looking back, I feel I could have focused more on the business side of things earlier. Learning how to manage clients, handle contracts, and understand the financial side of art would have helped me balance creativity and business more efficiently. If I had understood them sooner, it would have helped me become independent more quickly and pushed my career forward.

For me, the most essential skills are a combination of technical and socializing. Effective communication with clients and collaborators is crucial—whether it’s understanding their ideas or presenting my work in the right way. Additionally, strong self-discipline and time management are indispensable, especially when balancing a full-time job and an illustration career. On the technical side, having a solid foundation in drawing, composition, and design is essential. It’s also very important to stay open to learning new skills, especially when exploring evolving creative fields like architecture, animation and 3D modeling.

One obstacle has definitely been limited time. In fact, I work full-time at an advertising company, and I need to balance my job with my growing illustration career. Sometimes it’s difficult to find enough time to practice new techniques or take on larger projects. Another obstacle has been the limitation of resources and opportunities. There are times when I lack the right platforms to showcase my work, or I don’t have the right collaborators. For example, I send many emails to clients, but I’m never sure if they’ve received them, if they’ve changed jobs, or if they’re satisfied with my work. Sometimes, I might send out 100 emails and only receive 2 responses. Lastly, self-doubt has also been a challenge, especially when learning new skills or venturing into unfamiliar fields like animation. Overcoming these doubts and staying motivated has been an ongoing process.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Cyan Lin, an illustrator deeply passionate about art and the power of storytelling. My creative journey started in my childhood, where my parents encouraged me to explore drawing. Over time, this passion grew into an essential part of my life. My work spans various fields, but I primarily focus on editorial illustration and brand illustration. I create illustrations for publications, magazines, and brands, helping them transform their written words into vivid visual expressions. Many of my illustrations start from a female perspective, exploring themes of self-expression, emotion, and identity. I love combining traditional techniques, like printmaking, with contemporary illustration styles, creating a unique visual language that feels modern yet resonates with audiences on a cultural and emotional level. This fusion of artistic tradition and modern creativity is what sets my work apart. I take techniques from printmaking and apply them innovatively to more modern forms of illustration, ensuring the final product feels fresh and timely.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to maintain my artistic voice while meeting the specific needs of my clients. I believe that art can connect people, whether through storytelling, cultural expression, or simply sparking emotions. This drive to create art that resonates is what keeps me motivated in my work.

As an illustrator, I help clients solve the problem of visually communicating their core message. Whether it’s a brand seeking a unique visual identity or a publication wanting to enhance its editorial impact, my goal is to provide work that is not only beautiful but also meaningful, helping them better convey their message. I believe that art can connect people—whether through telling stories, cultural expression, or sparking thought. I am always working to create pieces that evoke a connection with the audience.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want to let them know that my approach to illustration is not just about creating beautiful visuals but about telling meaningful stories. I believe in the power of empathy, which allows me to understand my clients’ needs and incorporate that into every project. Whether it’s helping a brand express its unique voice or creating thought-provoking illustrations for publications, my ultimate goal is to add depth and meaning to the visual experience.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I remember a particularly busy time when I received a commission from Duzhe magazine. The article I was illustrating was about the idea of having a meeting while walking, and it really inspired me. Despite the tight schedule, I made an effort to find small windows of time to think about my creative work. Like when I was walking, taking the subway, or even in the shower, I would brainstorm ideas. After that this approach became a regular part of my creative process, and often, during these relaxed moments, many ideas would come to me. It helped me save a lot of time and allowed me to capture inspiration during those fragmented moments. On my way to work, I’d often come up with an idea and quickly take out my phone to jot it down in the memo app. Although these were just rough sketches, they became important starting points in my creative journey. This method enabled me to maintain creativity and efficiency, even amidst a busy work schedule.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a series of small goals. Like, two years ago, my goal was to hold a solo exhibition, which I later had the chance to do in Dalian. Along the way, there are many magazines and brands I want to collaborate with. I break these down into smaller goals, reaching out to them one by one, almost like leveling up in a game—each step is a fun challenge. Art creation is a long-term goal for me. I want to provide impactful visual content for more magazines and brands through my illustration work, while also advancing my personal artistic growth and professional development. My aim is for my work to not only convey the client’s message but also resonate with their audience, helping them build a unique brand identity. I believe that art is not just a tool for personal expression, but also a way to address clients’ real needs. As my work continues to evolve, I hope to gain more recognition within the industry, open up more collaborative opportunities, and feel a greater sense of accomplishment. Overall, my mission is to create a bridge between art and business through visual storytelling, continually improving myself, and creating valuable work for both clients and audiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cyanlin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyan_cha/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lin.jiachen.52
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=guest_homepage-basic_nav-header-signin
• Other: https://www.behance.net/330633816ca5e
  xiaohongshu: Cyan Lin

Image Credits

self- provide