We recently connected with Cyan Lin and have shared our conversation below.
Cyan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I have always loved art. Even today, I still believe that art is the pursuit I must follow for my entire life. On this journey, I move forward step by step, setting small goals along the way. I am very fortunate that my parents have always supported my passion for drawing. As a child, I was influenced by Japanese animation and comics. I enjoyed doodling in my textbooks, drawing the characters I liked. At first, I only sketched simple clothing shapes, but gradually I challenged myself to draw people. Later, I entered my ideal school and chose printmaking and illustration as my undergraduate and graduate majors. Each step was an accumulation of experience, moving me closer to my goal. During my studies in illustration, I realized that I particularly enjoy graphic expression. I also love drawing female figures with Eastern elements, as it feels like I can communicate my understanding of art from my own perspective.
Illustration allows me to freely express my emotions and realize my self-worth through creation. After graduation, I actively sought out opportunities to collaborate with publishers. When I received my first income from these collaborations, I knew this path was feasible, and I gradually clarified my artistic direction.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Cyan Lin, an illustrator. My illustration work primarily involves creating visual pieces that tell stories and communicate ideas for publications, magazines, and brands. What excites me most is combining creativity with purpose—using art not only as a way to express myself but also as a way to connect with an audience and inspire emotional resonance. I truly enjoy creating work that showcases my artistic vision while also meeting my clients’ needs.
I also love exploring new areas because it keeps my artworks and creative process fresh and exciting. Like this year, the editor of Food & Wine asked me to design a video title. This was something I had never tried before, as I usually only provide illustration work for them. It let me have to explore different styles of traditional Chinese fonts, which turned out to be a very interesting and refreshing challenge. Experiences like these allow me to push boundaries and spark new passion for what I do.
In addition to illustration, I’m looking forward to delving deeper into animation next year. I’m currently collaborating on animation projects with some amazing partners, and I’m eager to learn more about the principles of motion in animation, as I believe it will open up exciting new creative possibilities for me.
I also plan to establish my own studio in 2025, which will provide me with the space to create more personal work, including having my own etching press. The studio will focus on themes of self-worth and personal growth while still allowing me to work with clients and meet their creative needs. This is an exciting project for me, as it will help me strike a better balance between my professional work and personal artistic explorations. Feel free to visit my studio anytime!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my life journey, the three most important qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge for me are: first, aesthetic accumulation and reading a lot. They’ve helped me constantly absorb fresh ideas and cultures, broadening my perspective. Second, analysis skills, especially before starting an illustration project. I need to analyze the article and the client’s needs to extract deeper meaning. Lastly, empathy. It allows me to understand the author’s thoughts and help them express them.
My advice for folks who are early in their journey in terms is experience more, feel more, accumulate more—attend art exhibitions, watch plays, and travel. Also, learn to create and express from your own perspective, drawing from your personal knowledge and experiences.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
One challenge I face is balancing my work at the advertising company with my growing illustration career, as my main job is in advertising, and illustration feels more like a side job. Even though working in advertising has taught me a lot of valuable life skills, such as handling contracts, working with clients, and managing finances, I still need to balance my time, especially since I plan to set up my own studio in 2025. It can be a struggle to stay creative while also managing client needs and the business side of things. Additionally, diving into animation projects brings a new learning curve, especially when it comes to understanding the principles of motion in animation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cyanlin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyan_cha/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lin.jiachen.52
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=guest_homepage-basic_nav-header-signin
- Other: https://www.behance.net/330633816ca5e
Image Credits
Self-provided
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
