Meet illustrator from Taiwan, Chia-Chi Yu.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Chia-Chi Yu. I am a freelance illustrator based in Taipei, Taiwan. I have studied art for 4 years in France. I draw a lot for editorials and book covers, also I make illustrations for children. I love using mixed materials and creating interesting and living illustrations. Now I live with 10 cats and a dog.

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

Taipei isn’t as big as other famous cities in the world so it’s quite convenient.

Also, Taipei is a city surrounded by hills. It’s very easy to get close to nature.

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

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

Flexibility / Challenging / independent

How did you start your career in art?

After finishing my Industrial Design studies degree, I became an industrial product designer first but I didn’t really like this job. I found the motivation to draw and wanted to be an illustrator. I went to art school in France. After that, I came back to Taiwan and started to work with the publishers.

I found the motivation to draw and wanted to be an illustrator. I went to art school in France. After that, I came back to Taiwan and started to work with the publishers.

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

Not really. But my parents still helped me financially to finish my studies in France.

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

Life is full of uncertainty and it can be tough. For the moment, I want to be happier when I draw.

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

David Hockney.

How would you describe the women around you?

Some of my illustrator friends do well in balancing work and home but they don’t have strong ambitions in their creative career. They enjoy their life more than push themselves to progress.

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

No, I don’t think so. When I was young, I haven’t seen female artists in the media. But maybe it’s because I didn’t really care about this at that time.

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

I don’t have children, but I do have a lot of cats to take care of. I think female creatives have to (or want to) spend more time with their family than males. If a female creative has ambitions in her career, she wouldn’t have as much time as men. However, as I’ve said above, my friends balance between family and work well. They just enjoy drawing. Even though they aren’t too ambitious, I think it’s great too.

Try everything first, then you will find the right way to create.

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

Try everything first, then you will find the right way to create.

Photos courtesy of Chia-Chi Yu.