We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Chang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

Prior to creating content on my own, I got into the “creative” industry as a part time gig as a model. A local agency was looking for people for a hair booking, and I decided to submit for it since I needed a new hair cut. While I didn’t book that particular job, it led me to being signed with an agency and having a few jobs here and there, but it most importantly led me to explore my creative side which is something I never did in the past as an Engineer (my day job). I eventually transitioned from modeling to content creation on my own (although I still do a bit of modeling) because I find that having control of my own schedule is very important for my mental health while working a full time technical job! Don’t get discouraged about how your first dollar comes because you can always build on it and shape your path!

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?

Like I said, I got into content creation, especially in the beauty space, from modeling. It was hard to find makeup artists that worked well with Asian features that I learned to do it on my own, and had so much fun using my face as a canvas I decided to focus on it! I think having a science/technical background helps me vet out products that might be marketing gimmicks and I try to share what I know in my reviews and tutorials. Since I don’t rely on my craft to put food on the table, I can be very picky about which partnerships I take and I can be 100% genuine in my reviews. I also love to create a variety of looks, from no-makeup makeup looks to full Halloween creative makeup! Overall I just love talking about all things beauty and I try not to take it too seriously – the moment this stops being enjoyable, it no longer becomes something I want to do in life!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

There’s no right or wrong way to be creative, as long as you’re not hurting anyone. And you don’t have to be good at it! I think people look to successful artists and try to follow their path, but so much of being creative is just enjoying and being yourself. Express yourself however you feel comfortable and above all just be kind!

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

An easy and free way is to just engage in their content! Leave a like or comment, or share them on your socials. Support comes in many ways other than monetary, and I always love it when I get to interact with my viewers!

That being said, when a company is able, I think they need to pay a living wage – not just exchanging exposure or product for content. Content creation takes a lot of time and equipment investment, and receiving a free eyeshadow palette for a video is not going to make up for that! We need to advocate for each other and be transparent in our partnerships between creatives so that we can all stand together for fair wages.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenmakesup
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/jenniferchang