An Inspired Chat with Aprilyn Cunanan of Burbank, California

Aprilyn Cunanan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Aprilyn, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think a lot of artists are afraid to say that they are failing. We all want to prove to the world that our art is sustainable for us and that our passion can rise above the systemic faults of our economy. With the animation industry green-lighting projects less, with rising costs of vending event fees or convention table fees, the rising threat of generative AI replacing our artist workforce: artists are struggling to share their losses in fears that they’ll lose following or loyalty. I think it’s the opposite, we should share our struggles to show we’re resilient, and we’re not alone. People who love art will be loyal to the craft you’ve decided on. But I think it’s healthy to acknowledge that we’re being dealt a difficult hand right now.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Aprilyn Cunanan is an illustrator based in Burbank, California. She moonlights as professional background artist in TV, feature and indie animation and has over 8+ years of experience in her field. She’s pivoted recently to creating her own artisan cozy cotton brand called “Poppy Inu Co.” Her illustrations celebrate the beauty and color that can be found in the desert of Native California plant life in a cottage-core, Sanrio-esque style with 100% cotton goods such as plush, tea towels, cropped teas, bandanas and tote bags. Designed and locally pressed and oftentimes hand-made by herself. Aprilyn offers her works in prints in postcard and poster sizes as well as stationary items made by hand!

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was always an artist. Eager to consume media in cartoons, comics, manga, anime. Where many of my state-side friends in the states were being slowly introduced to Japanese animation in dubbed airings, I was exposed to Japanese animation really early because I lived most of my childhood in Okinawa, Japan. I started drawing really early too, I wasn’t very good at it either but I was passionate about it. At some point in high school I thought I needed to wake up to reality and entertained the idea of becoming a nurse, which most Filipino women go naturally into this profession. I also thought about becoming a lawyer but I found I wasn’t great at confrontation or debating without getting too emotional. My hunger to create art was too great and thanks to my supportive and encouraging parents, I was able to attend a few art classes to see if it was really for me.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When you start a new brand or a business you put money into it, when it doesn’t yield instant results or profit, you can feel immediate loss like it’s a physical pain. It’s the disappointment that you couldn’t make a return on your efforts and you’re left to wonder if this was worth the time you’ve put into it. Knowing how failure tastes can humble and teach you on what you need to try next.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
California became my home and it became the first time I’ve ever felt like I belonged anywhere. I’ve been told that some have my art hanging on an oven handle in the kitchen, or they use it to cover bread while it’s rising, or being used for special tea time occasions with loved ones. I’ve been told some use my tea towels as a tapestry in their hallway or bedroom. It brings me joy that my art can be in anyone’s home and is a representation of our shared love for California. If my art can touch anyone like the way it already has, I think that’s amazing, I want to keep doing that.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I really regret not taking the original artwork route sooner. I never felt confident enough to drop fanart to pursue original art. I felt like the risk was always so high. I’ve found that fanart can give you the immediate financial return but largely it’s unsustainable. Fanart can come and go with fandoms, following trends of the latest anime, shows and films could lead you to be pursuing fast in a direction where you’ll have too much stock in a declining popularity in series. Original art is a risk, yes, but any artist who might be on the fence with this: please take the plunge! You mind regret not trying it sooner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aprilyncunanan.bigcartel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppyinu.co/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/aprilyn.cunanan/