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

Pinchia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Art has always held a significant place in my life, beginning from a young age. Expressing myself through drawing provided solace and joy during my school years. As a typical Chinese student, caught in the struggle to get higher scores, drawing became my refuge. It was one of those things that calmed me down and free me from all the pressure. As I matured, my passion for art grew stronger, and I realized that it is more than just a hobby for me, it is a part of my life. I decide to become an artist when I was in high school years. Despite art not being a popular choice for a major in China, I was fortunate to have supportive parents who recognized my talent. They encouraged me to chase my dream of becoming an illustrator.
With their support, I spent the last three years of high school teaching myself art. Fortunately, my hard work paid off, and I received many offers from well-known art colleges with scholarships. Among them, the School of Visual Arts (SVA) became my top choice. I started on the longest journey of my life, coming to New York alone.
In this unknown world, I have explored new places, made new friends, and showcased my artwork to the world. It has been a brand-new experience, full of growth and self-discovery. During my time at SVA, I did make a lot of changes and I am more confident about my career in art.
I am grateful for all the opportunities that I have in my life, and I am excited to continue my artistic journey, push my boundaries, and keep making more art.

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

I am an illustrator and concept artist based in New York, specializing in sci-fi monster-related concept art and illustrations. I want to bring imaginative creatures and fantasy worlds to the audience. With a focus on the intersection of science fiction and fantasy, I strive to create visually captivating and unique artwork that transports viewers to thrilling and mysterious realms. My passion for these genres fuels my creativity, and I am constantly inspired by the artists around me, with their help, I can push the boundaries of my artistic abilities and make more and more amazing art.

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?

As an Asian artist, I have observed that art is not always given the same level of importance in my hometown compared to other subjects in school. However, I believe that art has an important impact on people’s ideas and perspectives of the world. Art transcends boundaries and is present everywhere in our lives. It has the power to evoke emotions, challenge conventional thinking, and provide unique insights into the human experience. It not only has the ability to create it can also heal people. Music, drawing, and performing everything that contained human emotion can be called art. While basic subjects are crucial, art offers a different dimension of learning that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. It encourages individuals to explore diverse perspectives. Art plays an important role in connecting society and improving cultural understanding, I have a very clear understanding of how art helps me adapt to the life in US.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

About this question, I have to say the social relationship. I ‘m a very typical introverted person, I don’t like to talk to people, don’t like any places crowded with people. In fact, I used to shy away from sharing my artwork on social media, my ins is started last year. During my college years, I began to recognize the importance of social engagement in the artistic realm. It was through the influence of my girlfriend that I began to know the value of making connections with others. She played an important role in helping me overcome my reservations and emerge from my self-imposed isolation. I started to go to many different art fairs with her and know there are many artists out there making all kinds of impressive art.
By engaging in social interactions, I discovered a world of opportunities and perspectives that I had been oblivious to before. Sharing my artwork on social media platforms opened doors to a wider audience and provided invaluable feedback from fellow artists and enthusiasts. Interacting with other creatives, attending art events, and participating in collaborative projects allowed me to expand my artistic horizons and explore new possibilities.

The role of social relationships in my artistic evolution cannot be overstated. From initially shying away from social interactions to embracing the power of connections, I have learned that engaging with others enriches not only my artwork but also my perspective on life. I am grateful to my girlfriend for guiding me out of my self-imposed sandpit and letting me know the value of social connection.

Contact Info:

• Website: jimiloker.artstation.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/jimiloker/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jimilokerjen/

Image Credits
Pinchai Jen