Meet Alicia Han

We recently connected with Alicia Han and have shared our conversation below.

Alicia, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?

My self discipline comes from a gentle relationship I’ve built with myself. I often treat myself like a child I’m taking care of. So, instead of pushing myself with strict tules, I’ve learned to motivate myself with kindness and small rewards. For example, whenever I feel stuck or unmotivated, I’ll tell myself, “Let’s just draw for five minutes.” That tiny beginning usually helps me overcome the hardest part — getting started.

Once I finish a task or make progress, I treat myself. Maybe with some dessert, a walk, or even a little gift I’ve been wanting. These small acts of positive reinforcement keep me going, and over time, they’ve helped me build a sustainable rhythm of working and resting. Ultimately, I’ve found that taking care of myself this way actually makes me more productive and consistent.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Alicia Han is an illustrator and painter from Shanghai, China, currently based in New York City. She holds a BFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts. Proficient in various mediums including oil painting, acrylics, silkscreen printing, and digital drawing, her work is a mix of the bizarre, gothic, childlike mischief, and a dash of eerie realism—like a bedtime story that starts off sweet but takes an unexpected turn. Her works have been featured in Creative Quarterly magazine, Visual Opinion magazine, LinkNYC, and exhibited in the Make Way, Kids Only, Edible Enigma exhibitions.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

First, courage. Especially the courage to try new things and go for opportunities, even when they’re scary or uncertain. I really believe in that quote: “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” The worst that can happen is rejection, and honestly, that doesn’t take anything away from you. But if you never try, there’s no chance fro anything to happen at all.

Second, consistency, especially when it comes to making art. If I stop for too long, I lose a bit of that rhythm and sensitivity in my hand. I’ve found that keeping a small sketchbook with me and drawing things whenever I can helps keep my creative muscles active. It’s kind of like working out. If you stop for too long, it’s harder to jump back in.

Third, draw what you love. I know sometimes we need to make changes for clients or fit into certain projects, but at the core, your personal voice is what sets you apart. That’s your most valuable asset, and it deserves to be protected and nurtured.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, one of the biggest challenges I’m facing is peer pressure, especially the kind that comes from constantly seeing other people’s achievements on social media. It’s hard not to compare yourself when you see people winning awards, working on amazing projects, or getting great job offers. I think a lot of us feel that quiet pressure, even when we don’t want to.

What I’m trying to do is remind myself that everyone moves at their own pace, and that someone else’s timeline doesn’t define mine. Comparison can easily lead to anxiety, and it’s not always helpful. At the same time, I try to shift comparison into inspiration. Instead of asking “Why am I not there yet?”, I ask “What can I learn from their path?”

It’s not always easy, but I’m learning to trust my process and focus more on growth than speed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://qhan3.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: @aliciaaaa_hqc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciahan