Meet Taiwanese illustrator, Lynette Lin.

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I am Lynette Lin (Lin Ling-Ning). I am a self-taught illustrator from Taiwan and currently studying a MA degree of graphic communication design in Central Saint Martins in London.

 

Through my illustration, I hope to bring a little warmth, so I usually like to create illustration with a dose of humor. Observation and feelings towards life are reflected in the theme and style of my work.

 

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

I am now living in London which is a very busy (and expensive) city. I have been here for around one and half a years, but everything is still quite new for me. London is definitely a creative and trend-leading city as there are so many exhibitions and talented artists and designers around. However the weather here is so changeable especially in the winter, so I am still adapting myself to this. Although I miss my life (and food) in Taipei, I feel very grateful that I had the opportunity of studying aboard which enables me to experience a completed different life in a new country. Compared to London, my hometown in Taipei is less busy but still very vibrant.

 

Through my illustration, I hope to bring a little warmth, so I usually like to create illustration with a dose of humor. Observation and feelings towards life are reflected in the theme and style of my work.

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

The best thing about living in London is that there are always many events and activities for people. It seems to me that people value the quality of life here and devote to balancing their life between work. However, I think London is a bit too busy for me. I am a very shy person, so sometimes I feel a bit lost in this city.

 

On the other hand, Taipei is relatively less busy and people are friendly, most importantly, there are always affordable and delicious street food and bubble tea shops. I am not sure if there is ‘the worst thing’ about living in Taipei, but it seems to me that it actually rains more often than London(?) which sometimes annoys me.

 

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

London: resourceful/ dynamic/ open-minded

Taipei: unsteady / challenging / diverse

 

How did you start your career in art?

After graduated from university, I worked in a small company for around 4 years as a graphic designer. My former boss liked my drawings so she encouraged me to do more and gave me a lot of support. Since then, I learned a lot about illustration. After that, I decided to become a freelancer. My work can also be found in magazines and children’s books as well.

My first children’s book called ‘How Does Space Taste Like? ’ is published about one year ago.

 

My former boss liked my drawings so she encouraged me to do more and gave me a lot of support. Since then, I learned a lot about illustration.

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

I think my parents are not quite sure and very concerned about what I am doing, but they basically support my decision anyway I guess…(or maybe it is because I have a bad temper? .lol.)

 

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

I hope I can be more confident about myself and my work. I am now working on illustrations about aging, gender stereotypes, and self-acceptance for my school project. I hope I can finish it in time.

 

I hope I can be more confident about myself and my work. I am now working on illustrations about aging, gender stereotypes, and self-acceptance for my school project. I hope I can finish it in time.

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

My sister. She is my best friend and has good taste.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

I was raised in a very conservative family, so most women around me seem to follow a traditional path and meet the gender-expectation such as getting married, having children and taking care of family or something like that. Sometimes I feel a little bit sad about this because they are all very intelligent and have a great ability to pursue a career they have a real passion for. Fortunately, some of them, such as my aunt and my sister, are very independent and strong. They are always supportive and gave me helpful advice.

 

They are always supportive and gave me helpful advice.

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

My former boss may be the first female creative I really looked up to. She always encouraged and inspired me to start my career as an illustrator when I was very young. She was a writer in Taiwan, but unfortunately, she passed away a few years ago.

 

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

I think it’s challenging for both female and male since it is very competitive for creatives, especially for freelancers.

 

Be patient and be brave.

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

Be patient and be brave.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Lynette Lin.