We were lucky to catch up with Amelia Chen recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amelia, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
In our present society and generation, we grapple with a multitude of concerns and pressures, including those arising from work, daily life, and relationships. Self-care is an important thing I have to keep doing to keep mental health. Self-care is a demonstration of self-love, affirming that I am complete and truly amazing just as I am.
I’ve experimented with various activities such as kickboxing, hiking, running, dancing, and more. However, I discovered that yoga is the activity I truly adore and have embraced as a fundamental part of my life. I began practicing yoga two years ago, and it has since evolved into a lifestyle choice. Yoga not only aids in improving my posture and fortifying my resolve but also serves as a meditative practice. Engaging in yoga is a therapeutic process; it allows me to immerse myself in the studio, focusing solely on the present moment and letting go of all other distractions. This practice brings about a profound sense of peace and equips me with the tools to better regulate both my body and mind. It teaches me to center my attention on the here and now, ultimately leading to a heightened sense of happiness. Additionally, I’ve taken up running and hiking. Being in the great outdoors brings me a sense of tranquility, allowing me to connect with nature and embrace my true essence.
Placing my happiness and well-being at the forefront, I’ve noticed my physical and mental strength growing. I’ve adopted habits like going to bed and waking up earlier to greet each day, maintaining discipline, choosing healthy foods, tending to my skin, and creating a tidy living space. This lifestyle has been a source of increased energy and has gradually brought greater order to my life. I can maintain my focus and energy levels without easily succumbing to tiredness while working.
I’ve recently rekindled an old habit: reading physical books and toting a pocket-sized book with me wherever I go.Engaging in books brings about a greater sense of serenity and positivity in me. Lately, I’ve started disconnecting from social media and dedicating more of my time to myself and the people I care and love. Life feels truly wonderful when your focus is solely on the good and positive aspects.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hello! I’m a motion designer, illustrator, blogger, and educator currently residing in New York City. I work as a full-time artist and also teach part-time. I’ve been immersed in the world of art since my early childhood. Surrounded by the influence of both my father and grandfather, I knew from a young age that I wanted to become an artist when I grew up. I began attending art school when I was just seven years old.
I attended a prestigious art university in China learning uiux and pursued my motion graphic master’s degree in the United States. Art has evolved into a way of life for me, and I’m appreciative of my parents for wholeheartedly supporting my decision to pursue an artistic path freely. I have accumulated nearly seven years of industry experience, during which I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with prominent clients such as Meta, Amazon, Google, IBM, Apple, and more. My work has primarily revolved around creating illustrations, pioneering brand systems, and developing dynamic motion designs for their various projects. In addition, I’ve begun to share my expertise by teaching on the side, offering guidance in illustration and motion design to passionate young individuals with a deep appreciation for art and design.
I find pleasure in pursuing photography and vlogging as side interests. From time to time, I also write travel blogs. If you have exciting projects you’d like to collaborate on or if you’re interested in delving deeper into the world of design and illustration, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe the three most essential qualities to possess are curiosity, problem-solving skills, and passion.
When you have the curiosity, you’re consistently eager to explore new horizons, which fuels your progress and continuous growth and staying updated with the latest industry developments. In the art and design industry, curiosity is an essential asset. It brings inspiration and compels designers to seek out new experiences, cultures, and ideas, which can be a wellspring of creative concepts. Exposure to diverse influences stimulates the mind and results in innovative design solutions.
Problem-solving in design is about turning obstacles into stepping stones, challenges into opportunities, and complexity into simplicity. Every project has its own challenges. You must have the capability to come up with ideas quickly and intelligently. Furthermore, you should be adept at solving design problems and meeting client satisfaction. I’ve observed that many of my students lack the ability to solve problems independently. This skill is essential for their survival in the real world.
When you choose art as your full-time occupation, passion becomes a vital element required for success in the fields of design and art. Without this passion, work can become monotonous and motivation may wane. In the grand scheme of life, prioritizing activities that bring you happiness is of utmost importance. I’ve witnessed many individuals lack passion in their work, which can be a significant hurdle to overcome.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m open to collaborating with brands and clients I haven’t had the chance to work with, regardless of their size. If you’re working on engaging and innovative projects, please reach out to me. I’m enthusiastic about connecting with new industry peers and embarking on exciting ventures together! Let’s create something fun and cool.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.ameliachen.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameliac.life/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelialinchen21/
- Other: Behance : https://www.behance.net/amelia_chen
Instagram (photography and life) : https://www.instagram.com/ameliamiya/
