Meet illustrator from Toronto, Jeannie Phan

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a professional freelance illustrator that’s had the pleasure of working on projects around the world. I started off in the editorial field but I do a myriad of projects now including (appropriate with the times) lots of digital content. A cat lady and nature enthusiast, you’ll find me split between homebody hobbies and outdoor excursions on my free time.

 

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

I live in Toronto and it’s a very vibrant city! I would consider it pretty face-paced around here but there are lots of pockets (particularly edging the lake) that you can find peace and rest.

 

I live in Toronto and it’s a very vibrant city! I would consider it pretty face-paced around here but there are lots of pockets (particularly edging the lake) that you can find peace and rest.

 

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

The best thing is hands down the ability to connect to so many people and the abundance of resources we have at our fingertips being such a major city. The downside is if you haven’t forged your own community or small group of friends it can easily become lonely. I think this is a thing you see in most major cities and Toronto is the same.

 

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

Self-expressive. Vibrant. Accepting.

 

How did you start your career in art?

Professionally, after graduating OCAD U (and a year of working retail), I dived headfirst into freelancing though at the time I was split 50/50 doing with odd design jobs as well as illustration. If we want to get into the really early years, I’ve been making money off art when I was in my teenage years deep in the old days of obscure message boards and forums doing personal commissions.

 

Professionally, after graduating OCAD U (and a year of working retail), I dived headfirst into freelancing though at the time I was split 50/50 doing with odd design jobs as well as illustration.

 

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

My brother who also freelances (originally in graphic design) was supportive and we both were able to understand each other in our unconventional careers. At the time, before the gig economy was such common place, it felt like it was just us two in our close circles. These days with so many friends also freelancing, I’ve never felt so ordinary (in a good way) and understood.

 

As a creative it seems a universal goal is to get better at your craft, and I certainly feel that too. My goals are to find even more joy in the work that I do, to get better at the art form and to learn some new skills along the way that keep my work current. To experiment with different ways of mark making. Having fun!

 

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

As a creative it seems a universal goal is to get better at your craft, and I certainly feel that too. My goals are to find even more joy in the work that I do, to get better at the art form and to learn some new skills along the way that keep my work current. To experiment with different ways of mark making. Having fun!

 

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

My friend Justine Wong! I think if we made some sort of herbal book or project that combines our similar passions for art, plants and personal attunement, it would be amazing.

 

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

Burnout 100%. I see creative work being intrinsically connected to our “non-creative” or off work hours time (our daily lives, our sleep, our diets, our habits…) that finding time and energy to look after ourselves after being depleted from a demanding career can be really tough. Preaching about work/life balance ad nauseam is probably my best trait.

 

Strong. And I mean that genuinely. I’ve witnessed my friends whom I’ve known for a long time really start to thrive in these recent years and I think that largely has to do with the women-centered discussions that are no longer taboo and actively fostering a non-competitive atmosphere.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

Strong. And I mean that genuinely. I’ve witnessed my friends whom I’ve known for a long time really start to thrive in these recent years and I think that largely has to do with the women-centered discussions that are no longer taboo and actively fostering a non-competitive atmosphere.

 

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

Although she didn’t live in Toronto at the time, I really looked up to Jillian Tamaki when I was a young budding illustrator. She really seemed to embody a successful female illustrator: strong, opinionated, distinct with absolute killer drawing skills.

 

There’s is a bit of pressure to “act like men” when it comes to the professional space. I think there’s merit to some of that advice but it’s about taking that assertion and embodying it in a way that’s authentic to you.

 

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

There’s is a bit of pressure to “act like men” when it comes to the professional space. I think there’s merit to some of that advice but it’s about taking that assertion and embodying it in a way that’s authentic to you. Be stern in your emails but don’t be afraid to toss and smilie if the atmosphere calls for it and you just want to! Hold yourself highly but don’t get cocky – always be empathetic to the people you work with. There are also a lot of free resources (social media) that you should be taking advantage of to get your work out there. I want to emphasize: use social media but don’t let it use you. That is, make sure you’re making art for you (not just what’s popular) and when you’re able to get paying work, prioritize though over “likes” as the jobs will actually pay your bills.

 

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What type of music do you like to listen to?

I split between classical music (Chopin and Debussy being my go to’s), to metalcore. Some days I just want to be teenage me.

 

What’s your favorite local food spot?

Loga’s Corner in Parkdale. Best momos!

 

Ivee Pendo asks: How do you win your dream clients?

A lot of my clients actually come from word of mouth these days, so I think at this point just continuing to do good work and be respectful to the people I work with. At the start however, I did reach out to clients I wanted to work for and worked on staying on their radar (in a non-annoying way. So not badgering emails, but through posted on social media).

 

Vikki Zhang asks: Have you ever admired other artists who do excellent work and can’t help to doubt your own style?

Yes?! I’d be surprised to hear anyone deny that! Being more digitally connected than ever, I think it’s extremely easy to get side-tracked with other people’s artistic journey (some whom are way further along, or just have a different creative headspace). I simply reroute and focus on my own work. I don’t browse a ton or keep tabs on other illustrators these days if I’m being honest.

 

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

How has your personal life influenced your creative work?

 

 

Photos courtesy of Jeannie Phan