We recently connected with Tianqi Chen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tianqi, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

When I was in primary school, my ideal job is to become an illustrator and change all the illustrations in textbooks. Because most of the illustrations in Chinese textbooks are boring, I often scribble and transform those boring illustrations into my wild fantasy.

After growing up, I no longer have the illusions about revising textbooks. For me, art is a medium to record life. The smallest thoughts and humor in my mind can be conveyed to the viewers through drawing, and have an impact or resonance on others, wouldn’t that be Beautiful?

Tianqi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Tianqi Chen: Freelance illustrator, and tattoo artist. I graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 2022 and am now based in New York.

Growing up in an artistic family, I’m lucky to be surrounded by artists and creatives my whole life. My mom is an oil painter, she dedicated her whole life to fine arts, but not many people appreciate her works. Looking at her struggle with life, I made up my mind when I was a kid that I’m going to do something different. Still, art related but more commercial with a wider audience. Which lead my way to the illustration world. After I graduated from the School of Visual Arts, I also find my passion in tattooing. I discovered this new medium that creates art on people’s skin and gives others joy. This makes me super excited to be a tattoo artist.

Both my illustration and tattoo works are narrative and good at telling stories behind the art. I developed a unique style by combining my knowledge of Eastern and Western art forms: combining Japanese wood decorations (Netsuke), traditional Chinese line drawing, and Western contemporary comics.

My Illustration works were selected for many professional illustration awards, such as American Illustration, 3×3 Magazine, Communication Arts, Society of Illustrators, and more. My former clients include different publishers across the world, such as The Nation, City & State Magazine in the US, and White Star in Italy.

Speaking about my working experience, I was invited by White Star Publisher to create 78 tarot cards named the “Rebel Witches” series. This series of Tarot cards is mainly based on contemporary, historical, and even mythological and artistic works of female figures with a rebellious spirit. For example, the “Justice” card is based on Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter. This is the most interesting project I worked on, although it took me four months to finish all 78 cards, I felt such accomplishment after this long-term project!

Lately, I have been cooperating with many Asian-owned brands for flash events, such as Bobblehaus, Omsom, and Landtosea. As an Asian artist, I’m proud to use my tattoos as a medium to promote Oriental culture. I’m thrilled that so many people loved my flash designs, and I can even help others ( During the Bobblehaus Pride event, 20% of our income was donated to HMI )

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

A few months ago, I attended the MoCCA Art Fair, which is one of the biggest art festivals held by the Society of Illustrators in New York. I experienced the most crowded moments of people celebrating art and met so many wonderful people. I almost sold out all the prints and art-related stuff that I made only in two days. Which made me realize how great it can be as an artist. Society showed huge respect and support to all the artists. After that, I attended many other art fairs and pop-up events, and they all turned out great. So I believe this is one of the best ways society can support creatives.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I love drawing people. Figurative art is very common, but how to find my own style and express my feelings behind the characters is the goal I have been exploring. And most of my work is narrative. Unlike objective narration, I added my own thoughts and emotions to it. When the pandemic first started, I was stuck at home in New York. Even though I’m not a social person, I love getting out in the fresh air every day. Take a walk in the street or go to the bookstore down the street to buy some new books. So when the quarantine first started, I was very depressed. All classes have become online classes, and it really sucks not being able to see teachers and friends, I prefer to communicate in person. People around me also started to get depressed, and everyone was in a bad mood during that time. So one day, I made up my mind that I was going to draw something to cheer people up. Also for the first time, I had a lot of time to enjoy and observe the little things in everyday life. The little things happen every day but people do not notice them. Since I lived alone at the time, my roommate returned to China. I became my only model. I decided to use illustrations to record my daily life. Then add some exaggerated and funny elements. I wanted to find those funny little moments in this boring everyday life, to capture the silly things I do when I’m alone. It’s a way to tell people that even if you’re stuck in a small apartment, there’s still a joy to be had with you. You just have to feel it. Every day can be brilliant as long as you capture the right moments.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tianqichen.work
• Instagram: tianqi_chen_art

Image Credits
Tianqi Chen