We were lucky to catch up with Yan Jiang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yan , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I believe that the definition of success is in my own hands. To me, success is deeply personal and can only be measured by how much I grow compared to my past self. It’s important to always compare myself to who I was yesterday, observe my emotions, and take the time to understand myself better. I find value in following a routine that helps me learn something new every day, which allows me to continuously improve and evolve. This daily investment in my own growth keeps me grounded and ensures that I’m always working towards becoming the best version of myself.
If I’m the only person in the room who is like me, I would be eager to learn from others and understand their journeys. Everyone is so different, with their own perspectives and unique definitions of success, which is something I find fascinating. I hope to maintain a sense of curiosity about people, as I genuinely enjoy meeting new individuals and hearing their stories. It’s inspiring to see how diverse everyone’s experiences are, and this helps me appreciate my own path even more. At the same time, I would continue to pursue my personal goals by focusing on what fulfills me—whether it’s through reading, painting, studying, or watching movies. By spending time on myself and doing the things I love, I can work toward a version of success that feels authentic and meaningful to me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hello! Thank you for having me. I’m Yan Jiang, a book illustrator, artist, and art educator working between Providence and Toronto. My passion lies in writing and illustrating children’s picture books. Currently, I’m pursuing a BFA in Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Originally from China, I later moved to Toronto, Canada, where I settled in a quiet, rural area. This setting gave me the time and solitude to deeply explore my emotions, and art became my outlet—a way to both express myself and better understand the world around me.
My children’s illustrations focus on conveying my own emotions and perspectives. I believe that children and teenagers have the capacity for complex emotions and can grasp profound ideas, which are often overlooked by adults. Through my artwork, I aim to capture these nuances, connecting with young audiences on a deeper, emotional level.
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?
I think the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are honesty, diligence, and happiness. I believe diligence is essential in any field, no matter how much talent one has; consistent effort is what truly drives growth and success. I often journal, make it a point to read every week, and spend time painting and sketching. I enjoy carving out time each day to invest in myself and work towards becoming better.
Honesty and happiness, on the other hand, help build meaningful relationships and allow you to understand and connect with others better. Being honest and true to yourself leads to deeper self-awareness, and a positive outlook attracts like-minded people. I believe that people influence one another, and since I hope to be treated with honesty and want others to be happy, I think I should strive to embody these qualities first. With them, I feel I can both appreciate and connect with those who recognize and value my work, forming professional and personal bonds that enrich my life.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The person who has been most instrumental in my growth and development is my high school teacher, Mr. Matthew Hug. Before meeting him, I often felt disconnected from traditional schooling, where the focus was on giving the “right” answers to earn higher grades. However, Mr. Hug’s approach to teaching was entirely different. He encouraged creativity and critical thinking, pushing us to express ourselves through essays, art projects, and personal interpretations rather than simply memorizing information. This freedom helped me realize the power of my own voice and gave me the courage to pursue art as a means of self-expression.
Mr. Hug’s influence went beyond just improving my technical skills in art; he taught me that art has the power to inspire change and bring hope, much like the themes I explored in my high school project, *Dispersion*. Under his guidance, I saw art as more than just a way to create beautiful images; it became a way to make a difference and share messages of positivity, even in the darkest settings.
His belief in my ability to push boundaries and communicate through my artwork instilled a sense of purpose in me. Because of his mentorship, I’ve been able to embrace challenges, develop confidence in my ideas, and approach art not just as a career, but as a meaningful tool for creating change. Mr. Hug’s lessons, both in art and in life, continue to shape how I approach challenges and push me to become a better artist and person.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jiangyan.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: garlicbunnyy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yan-jiang-439347231/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
