We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pinchia Jen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pinchia below.
Hi Pinchia, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
Before my senior year, I faced significant obstacles in my illustration journey. The problem of composition and color proved to be formidable challenges, and my skill level as an illustrator was not good enough during that time. One significant obstacle was my difficulty in translating my creative ideas onto paper, this is a very deadly problem for any illustrator. Nevertheless, as I gained more experience, I began to receive valuable guidance and assignments from my professor, which greatly contributed to my growth in this field. I think the real problem is to have a heart to keep it going. Keep drawing and do not stop.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was born in Taipei, Taiwan, but I moved to Guangzhou when I was just three years old. In 2019, I received a full scholarship and enrolled in the Illustration Department at the School of Visual Arts in New York (referred to as SVA). I have a strong passion for creating illustrations using tools like Procreate and Photoshop. During my time at SVA, I’ve been delving deeper into concept drawing techniques, and I aim to pursue a career in concept art. My creative interests lie in making Western fantasy and sci-fi narratives, which is my current focus. I really love non-reality-based stories, and my ultimate goal is to become one of those creators who can captivate their audience with their artwork.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I consider color, composition, and the ability to describe objects as three crucial elements in illustration. Among these, color stands out as the most expressive, capable of immediately capturing the audience’s attention. Composition, on the other hand, reinforces the emotions that the audience experiences. As I mentioned earlier, These are the two areas where I’m continuously working on improvement.
Lastly, the skill of effectively describing an object is fundamental for every illustrator. It serves as the cornerstone of our craft. The diverse ways in which we can depict an object is what sets each illustrator apart from one another, making our work unique and distinctive.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I think my girlfriend is the one who helps me the most. 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 was 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. 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:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimiloker/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimilokerjen/
Image Credits
Pinchia Jen
