Meet illustrator and character designer from Los Angeles, Elsa Chang

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

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

I currently live in Los Angeles. It is a very diverse city with a ton of culture and different types of food. The weather here is sunny practically all year round. Compared to Taipei, which I have only visited for vacation a handful of times, the weather there is humid but the night markets are something I miss a lot living in California. Southern California will always be my home, it is where most of the animation industry resides so my roots are very much planted here.

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

The best thing is the variety of cuisine and the close proximity to the beach, mountain and desert. When it rains in Los Angeles it is also snowing about 30 minutes north on the Angeles National Forest. So you can go to the beach and play in the snow all on the same day. The worst thing has to be the occasional earthquakes and traffic jams.

The best thing is the variety of cuisine and the close proximity to the beach, mountain and desert. When it rains in Los Angeles it is also snowing about 30 minutes north on the Angeles National Forest. So you can go to the beach and play in the snow all on the same day. The worst thing has to be the occasional earthquakes and traffic jams.

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

Storyteller. Cultural. Community.

How did you start your career in art?

My parents were very nurturing of my interest in art so they enrolled me in art class from the age of 6-13. I was then accepted into an art high school which prepared me for art college. While at Art Center College of Design, I was introduced to the world of visual development and it combined my two interests: illustration and my love for animated tv and films. I began to develop work for my portfolio geared towards animation and with a lot of luck I was able to get a lot of great opportunities.

While at Art Center College of Design, I was introduced to the world of visual development and it combined my two interests: illustration and my love for animated tv and films. I began to develop work for my portfolio geared towards animation and with a lot of luck I was able to get a lot of great opportunities.

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

Absolutely. My parents never tried to deter me or try to suggest another profession. They were behind me 100%.

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

I would like to illustrate a book on animal conservation. I have been such a big animal lover all my life and I would love to give back to them somehow by illustrating a book that will educate future generations on the importance of conservation.

I would like to illustrate a book on animal conservation. I have been such a big animal lover all my life and I would love to give back to them somehow by illustrating a book that will educate future generations on the importance of conservation.

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

I’ve been lucky enough to work with some very talented artists in animation. Most recently, I was able to work on the Mickey Mouse Shorts with Paul Rudish who is the show creator. I had been a fan of his contemporary Mickey shorts since 2012. If I could collaborate with Beyoncé, Billie Eilish or Taylor Swift that would be the dream!

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

Art blocks and burnouts can put a wrench in my creative wheel. Everyone operates at a different energy and for some artists they get over their obstacles by refreshing their mind and trying things outside of drawing like traveling and hiking. While others beat art block by persevering and drawing until they find their inspiration. It can be tricky to find which one works for you.

They are hardworking and empowering individuals. All of my mentors have been women, some in leadership positions or on their way to being a leader.

How would you describe the women around you?

They are hardworking and empowering individuals. All of my mentors have been women, some in leadership positions or on their way to being a leader.

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

There weren’t many that I knew of other than my mom. She was a floral designer and has a good eye for color, texture and composition. She was my biggest, and sometimes harshest, critic growing up but she also helped me become a better artist with her feedback.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. It does not make you look weak and you have no reason to feel that way. No one expects you to know everything when starting out at a studio or new project. Working in animation is a collaborative effort and nothing falls solely on one person.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. It does not make you look weak and you have no reason to feel that way. No one expects you to know everything when starting out at a studio or new project. Working in animation is a collaborative effort and nothing falls solely on one person. Everybody works together to carry the project and if you have questions or are unsure of how to navigate something don’t be afraid to ask your supervising designer, director, coordinator, etc.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

While I’m working I like listening to pop or film and musical soundtracks.

What’s your favorite local food spot?

I really like hot pot and Korean tofu soup. BCD Tofu House is always good.

Shaivalini Kumar asks: How do you choose which clients to work with?

The project has to peak my interest and the pay has to be worth the time and effort I put into it.

Siqi Song asks: What is the best reaction you get when others see your work?

When people can relate to it or if they share the same excitement over the subject matter as I do.

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

Photos courtesy of Elsa Chang