Meet Taiwanese illustrator, Hanna Chen.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I live in an Asian country, Taiwan, with abundant resources surrounded by the sea. The city where I live is located in central Taiwan, Taichung City. The climate is pleasant in Taichung. The residents are very friendly and my home is very close to the National Fine Art Museum.

There are also large and small exhibitions, quite artistic, and a nice place for picnics!

The best thing is that the city is between modern and natural, prosperous and comfortable.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing is that the city is between modern and natural, prosperous and comfortable.

The worst thing is air pollution in recent years. I am worried about the health effects.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Lohas

Cordial

Lovely

How did you start your career in art?

When I was very young, my father always took me to the countryside to sketch the landscape. My mother gave me a lot of picture books for children, but my family did not encourage me to study art in my period of education (because they were worried I would become Van Gogh). With my own insistence, I eventually enrolled at National University Art department. After graduation, I wanted to be economically independent. I interned for a branding design company and started my life as a designer. In the past five years, I have gained a lot of experience in the workplace and from my projects but in the process, I found that I had a lot of words to tell the world by painting. Creation became a way to let off some steam when I got off work. After accumulating quite a lot of experience from work, I decided to turn into a freelance illustrator.

Creation became a way to let off some steam when I got off work. After accumulating quite a lot of experience from work, I decided to turn into a freelance illustrator

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

In the past, I was actually a very timid person. After a thorough, careful, and rigorous consideration, I decided to be an independent artist. In the process, I experienced many family revolutions but now I feel the results of my works have been recognized and resonated by the people around me. It has also become my power to keep moving on.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I hope that my works, more than the aesthetic feeling of the picture, could make people think about some issues and attract more attention around the world.

I hope that my works, more than the aesthetic feeling of the picture, could make people think about some issues and attract more attention around the world.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

I am looking forward to cooperation in any field very much. If you really want me to say one, I would like to cooperate with Lady Gaga. Her struggle has always given me very positive encouragement.

How would you describe the women around you?

My mother and grandmother are traditional Asian women. They are very worried about my dating and marriage plan. But my sister and I are both liberal. Girls should not be restricted by traditional values. I feel that modern women should pursue what they want, not be bound by traditional values.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Yes, there are a lot of female artists and illustrators around me. Some of them have children, and they have to care about their careers and families at the same time. I admire them very much.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

If females in this industry do not have strong personalities, their works are easily bargained.

Be brave and keep rolling, think and practice at the same time but remember to take some rest.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Be brave and keep rolling, think and practice at the same time but remember to take some rest.

Photos courtesy of Hanna Chen