Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paige Jung. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Paige, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Starting my creative career has been one of the most fulfilling chapters I’ve ventured into. At the peak of the pandemic in 2020 I was working in Communications at a 9-5 office job, and while I was thankful to have something sustain me, I wasn’t happy creatively. That’s when I started to take on illustration commissions on the side, which eventually led to a full time career switch into illustration and murals. While I don’t think a freelance-structured or creative career is for everyone, I found that it fit my lifestyle better, and I was able to find a better work-life balance, while doing something I am passionate in. As an independent creative, you often have to do a lot of decision-making on your own, stay disciplined and be confident in your work. Those three aspects have challenged me in positive ways, and have helped me grow to where I am.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I became a full-time illustrator and muralist in 2021 after a switch from a former Communications job. I didn’t have any formal Fine Arts training, but had a growing interest in the industry and used various resources to hone my craft and skills. My art style uses a lot calming, but bright colours, and fluid shapes to tell stories of connection, community power, and what makes us human. I have worked primarily digitally but am transitioning to using more gouache and pencil crayon mediums.
My work has a couple different facets including a) doing illustration commissions for commercial clients, b) painting physical murals for clients commissioning pieces on their buildings, and c) creating art prints, greeting cards, stationery goods and merchandise to sell online and in person at various markets throughout the year.
A lot of my artwork speaks to storytelling, while drawing some inspiration from the places I’ve travelled to and my Chinese-Canadian roots.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Like many other creatives early on in their career, I was undervaluing and underpricing my work which led to a bit of burnout and a lack of confidence. I had one potential client call me after I gave a quote, and he very kindly dropped me a huge piece of advice. He told me that it was the lowest quote they received, and it reminded him of his younger self who always fell to the habit of underpricing his work. He told me to research value-based pricing and from then my mindset has completely shifted.
This method of pricing basically allows you to price your services or products at the level that your client is perceiving their value. For example in my case, I’m not just selling my client a drawing for their book, but I’m selling them the cover of the book that will see thousands of readers, set the tone of the book, and will be the facing image for social media marketing etc. Thanks to his advice, I learned to reframe my way of thinking to have more confidence in my work and what I am giving to my clients.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an illustrator and muralist is being able to connect with communities in a special way. I’ve had the pleasure of being on a couple projects that involved brainstorming with community members to come up with a concept for an illustration or mural. I think that’s really special, and also really important, to be able to know what communities you’re serving, and the land you are working on. It’s so fulfilling to know your art can be a vessel for not only your own story but for other people’s stories as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: paigejung.com
- Instagram: @paigejung_
Image Credits
Select photos by Rémi Yuan and Solomon Hsu