We were lucky to catch up with Iri Chen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Iri, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

<Pearl> is my senior thesis project that explores how the pearl is symbolized in different cultures. Pearls are infinite, mysterious, and symbolic. And this project represents my love and passion for mysterious cultures and images with fancy delicate details.

Iri, 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?

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my work. My name is Iri Chen, and I am a freelance illustrator and comic artist based in New York. From a young age, I have been passionate about art, and I have always been drawn to the world of fictional storytelling. I love to create unique characters and to design intricate costumes that bring them to life.

My work is now primarily focused on fantasy and cultural themes, and I specialize in creating colorful and dynamic illustrations and comics. I believe that a good story is more than just words on a page – it’s an immersive experience that engages all of our senses and emotions. That’s why I put so much emphasis on the color palette and fancy details of my work, using bold and vibrant colors and fine lines to create a sense of wonder and elegance.

As a freelancer, I currently working with a diverse range of clients, helping them to bring their ideas and visions to life through my art. Whether it’s a children’s book project, an editorial piece, or a pattern design. And of course I draw comics. My first comic story was published in 2022 in China. It is about a story of a girl who used to be bodyshamed but finally accept who she is when she grows up.

What sets me apart from others in my field is my dedication to storytelling and my attention to detail. I believe that the best art is not just visually stunning, but also tells a story that resonates with the viewer. That’s why I put so much effort into creating dynamic compositions that draw the viewer in and capture their imagination.

I am most proud of the relationships that I have built with my clients and fans, who have supported and encouraged me throughout my career. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had to work on so many exciting projects, and I am always looking for new challenges and creative collaborations.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, supporting artists and creatives can start by providing opportunities for those who are just starting out, particularly recent graduates. Like by offering internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions, companies and organizations can help provide new artists with the experience and exposure needed to establish themselves in this art industry. Additionally, creating a community for young creatives to connect and collaborate with one another can be immensely beneficial. This can take the form of mentorship programs, artist collectives, or even just regular meetups and events. It’s important for artists to have a support system of like-minded individuals who can provide feedback, guidance, and inspiration.
Finally, it’s important for society as a whole to recognize and value the contributions that artists and creatives make to our culture and economy. This means supporting funding for the arts, promoting creative works, and encouraging people to pursue creative careers. By doing so, we can help create a thriving creative ecosystem that benefits us all.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

To start, it’s important to establish a professional image on your social media platform by sharing your work and skills on your business account. It’s best to avoid sharing your personal life and instead focus on your work. Consistency is key when it comes to building an audience. Posting regularly with a particular theme, such as nature or animals, can help your clients and followers understand what you’re good at. As you begin to grow your audience, you can showcase the variety of your work, such as still illustrations, short animations, and comics. Interacting with your audience regularly is also important, whether it’s through responding to comments or creating polls to gather feedback. Additionally, providing valuable content that your audience will enjoy and engage with is essential. Building a social media following takes time and patience, but with the right strategies and consistency, you can effectively grow your audience and ultimately expand your business or creative work.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yunyaochen.com
• Instagram: yunyao.chen
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/yunyao-chen-2b93a6207