Meet Brooklyn-based illustrator, Christina Chung

Image by: Bao Ngo

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a Taiwanese-Hongkonger-American illustrator, currently based in Brooklyn, New York. I grew up in Seattle and Singapore, and spent most childhood summers in Taiwan and Hong Kong. I work in editorial, publishing and advertising illustration and I’m so grateful to have turned my passion into my career. When I’m not working, I love to cook and bake, explore museums, parks, and cafes, and bother my cat Juni just about all the time.

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

I live in New York City, specifically in Brooklyn. It’s such a vibrant, diverse city that’s full of possibilities. I especially love being a creative here, because there are so many others like me chasing their dreams. While it can be tiring at times, the city vibrates with an energy that is so addicting. I’ve lived here now for 8 years and as the stereotype goes, it’s a place you both love and hate.

I especially love being a creative here, because there are so many others like me chasing their dreams.

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

Personally, my favorite thing about living here is the large community of illustrators and other creatives based here. I love how easy it is to meet up and hang out with such talented and supportive people that motivate me to continue improving my craft. Of course, there are a lot of downsides to living here as well. It’s hard to pick just one, but one of the things that come with a city that’s so populated is that while you get to see the best of humanity, you also sometimes see the worst.

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

Exciting, non-stop, overwhelming

How did you start your career in art?

Towards the end of my senior year at art school, I started refining my portfolio and reaching out to all the clients that I hoped to work for. The summer after graduation, I landed my first gig. One small job turned into another, smaller jobs turned into bigger and bigger jobs. Freelance illustration is 100% a career that takes time and momentum to build up, and it’s always a work in progress!

Freelance illustration is 100% a career that takes time and momentum to build up, and it’s always a work in progress!

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

Luckily, yes! My wonderful parents nurtured my creative pursuits since I was a kid, and I’m so thankful for them. My friends, teachers and most especially my husband have so often believed in me more than I have myself. Being a creative can be very difficult sometimes, and to be able to have people around you to lean on during difficult times is so important.

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

I would love to write and illustrate a book or graphic novel one day! I’d also love to be able to work on developing films and video games.

I would love to write and illustrate a book or graphic novel one day!

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

Dream big right? I’d love to collaborate on a project about the Asian-American experience with Lulu Wang.

How would you describe the women around you?

Inspirational, intelligent, hard-working and talented.

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

Growing up I looked to my mom for inspiration and guidance. She has always been creative in the way that she goes about life, be it through her love for all kinds of art, her delicious cooking, or her various career changes. Through her strength and grace, she has shown me the importance of creativity and perseverance.

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

I haven’t to my knowledge experienced any challenges of being a female in illustration. I definitely acknowledge that illustration as an industry like many others, was historically a boy’s club, but I’m lucky to have started working in a time where there are so many other successful female illustrators around to look up to. I’m also fortunate that we’re at a point where many clients are cognizant of the importance of hiring someone from a marginalized background to illustrate pieces on race/gender/sexuality from a place of experience. But of course, there’s always room for the industry to grow and improve!

Success doesn’t happen overnight.

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

Success doesn’t happen overnight. If you really believe in your dream, fight for it! Don’t be discouraged by rejection, because getting no’s doesn’t mean that a yes isn’t right around the corner. Know that success isn’t a destination, but a journey.

Photos courtesy of Christina Chung. Profile Image courtesy of Bao Ngo.