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

Hi Evah, thanks for joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

One of the most memorable moments of kindness I’ve ever experienced happened when I was gearing up for my Master’s degree in Sweden. It was 2009 and I was desperately seeking a place to live through translating and writing to web listings with very little success. I was in a real pickle until Michaela, my personal “Swedish saint,” stepped in to help. She was around the same age as me living and working in Stockholm. Even though we were total strangers, she came to the rescue with advice and even checked out apartments for me. Then, she went above and beyond by securing keys to a place and meeting me there when I arrived for the first time all the way from California.

Her gesture wasn’t just about giving me a roof over my head; it reignited my faith in the goodness of people. Michaela’s generosity sticks with me, a constant reminder of how much a simple act of kindness can mean. Her “pay it forward” mantra has become my own little guiding light.

Evah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Evah Fan, an artist and illustrator known for my small yet captivating pieces inspired by folk art, wordplay, and diverse cultures. My name, pronounced in Swedish, means “what the hell”—a fun fact I discovered during my time studying in Stockholm.

With a background in communications design and storytelling, I’ve dug into various interests from editorial illustrations to art-related products such as prints, pins, totes and zines. I’ve had solo exhibitions of my work in galleries and once I even got to lead a client workshop to decorate shoes with kids. I have worn many hats to help my own little business to thrive. I am the owner, project manager, social media marketer, production artist, cheerleader and shipping clerk.

Currently, I’m focusing on graphic arts services like murals, spot illustrations, and gag cartoons, with aspirations to illustrate children’s books. My hope is to bring smiles to people’s faces with my art.

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

While I cherish the freedom to plan and shape my days, it can also be a double-edged sword. Working from home, it’s all too easy to be distracted—especially when the kitchen is just a few steps away. I often find myself in awe of friends and peers with impeccable work ethics, those who show up consistently and put in the hard work day after day. As a self-employed artist, it’s easy to lose sight of that discipline. Perhaps it’s my innate people-pleasing nature, but I often find I work harder for others than I do for myself.

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is probably seeing my work being published. When I’m holding the illustrated product in my hand, it feels real and it’s out in the world for others to enjoy. When the work is in a gallery and gets that little red dot, I know it’s being appreciated and is on the way to a good home.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Throughout my career, I’ve found that my goals have shifted depending on where I’m at in my artistic journey. But when I really think about it, my main mission is to just keep things relatable and connect with people through my art. I’m a big believer in humor—it’s a great way to break down barriers and tackle those heavy topics we might struggle to talk about otherwise. But who knows, ask me again in five years and my answer might be totally different!

Contact Info:

• Website: evahfan.com
• Instagram: @evahscat
• Other: https://evahfan.com/shop

Image Credits
© Evah Fan