We recently connected with Yen Jung Chung and have shared our conversation below.
Yen Jung, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
When I was about to graduate from graduate school at Savannah College of Art and Design, I was very anxious about my. future. ” Am I ever gonna make money with my talent?” ” Have I chosen the right path?” “I don’t see where my life is going” All theses thoughts were spinning around in my head. It’s really interesting how I got my first paid job. My friend had an internship in an animation studio, her boss made a post on LinkedIn to welcome the new intern. I liked the post and that’s how I got noticed. I got a freelance job as a background designer for children’s music video. I got to design the color, lighting and layout of the background. Now looking back I still feel grateful and lucky to get such an amazing job. The best part of it was that I was actually earning money with my art!! I spent the money I have earned from the job and had a trip in Europe. Which had given me even more inspirations and strength! I think sometimes you just need a chance to be seen, keep working on your own stuff and believe in what you are passionate about. Things will just come around somehow.
Yen Jung, 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?
I am an illustrator from Taiwan, currently working as a background painter at an animation studio. However, my journey to becoming an artist was not a straightforward one. In college, I majored in Russian language and was unsure of what I wanted to do after graduation.
Despite my uncertainty, I had always loved drawing and had dreamed of becoming a manga artist when I was a teenager. But as I grew older, I began to doubt my ability to make a living as an artist, so I decided to pursue a more practical career path.
After finishing my degree, I worked for a bit but never felt fulfilled. It wasn’t until I moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in illustration at Savannah College of Art and Design that I rediscovered my passion for art.
During my time at SCAD, I learned a great deal about the technical and conceptual aspects of illustration. I also gained valuable experience working on various projects, including a children’s book, editorial illustration and surface design.
As graduation approached, I felt anxious about finding a job that would allow me to use my new skills and pursue my passion. Fortunately, I got an amazing commission job in background design at an Marc Lumer Productions.
At first, I never imagined myself working in the animation industry. My focus had always been on book illustration and publishing. However, after finishing a commission job that involved background design, I became interested in pursuing that field further.
I began applying to different animation studios, even though I knew that there were many other artists out there with more professional portfolios than mine. But after three months of searching, I was hired as a background painter at Floyd Production County.
Working at Floyd Production County has been an incredible experience. I’ve learned so many new skills and have gained a better understanding of how the entire studio works. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with other talented artists and have gained valuable insights into how different departments collaborate with each other.
Despite having a full-time job, I never stop learning as an artist. In my free time, I continue to work on my own art and hope to one day publish a graphic novel or picture book.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
As an artist, I find that drawing from personal experiences is the most powerful and fulfilling form of expression. When I create a piece inspired by a true story from my life, I feel a sense of liberation and emotional release that I can’t achieve with any other subject matter. These works feel like my children, and I pour my heart and soul into every stroke of the pen or brush.
But my artistic mission extends beyond simply creating beautiful or impactful pieces. I want to use my art to spread positivity and hope, even in moments of sadness or difficulty. Life is a journey full of ups and downs, and I want to share those experiences with others in the hopes that they can feel seen, heard, and understood. I hope that my drawings can connect with people on a deep and personal level, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
In essence, my goal as an artist is to create pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful. By drawing from my own life and experiences, I hope to connect with others on a deeper level and bring a little bit of light into the world. Whether my works inspire others to reflect, to smile, or to simply appreciate the beauty in life, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my art with the world.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As an artist, the most rewarding aspect for me is being able to not only pursue my passion as a hobby, but also to make a living from it. It’s a unique opportunity to be able to do something that I truly enjoy and still be able to sustain myself financially. I find that it’s important to be able to find balance between doing what you love and being able to support yourself, and being an artist allows me to do just that.
Furthermore, creating art has also been a form of therapy for me, a way to find peace and express myself in a way that words cannot. It’s a cathartic experience, and being able to share my art with others and evoke emotions and connections is an incredible feeling.
Overall, being able to find success and fulfillment as an artist has been a journey, but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything else. It’s a privilege to be able to make a living from my passion and I’m grateful for every opportunity that comes my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sophiachung.art/book-illustration
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophia.yj.chung/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-chung-991467223/
Image Credits
Yen Jung Chung