Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Pan.
Hi Janet, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Upstate New York and have always been a creative person. Most of the people in my town were science or technology focused but that didn’t stop me from pursuing my passions in art. So when it was time for me to apply to colleges, I knew I wanted to go to an art school. That is how I ended up at SCAD. When I entered my freshman year, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to major in at that point because I had so many interests within the creative world. I was most interested in Film and Photography and foror my first two years at SCAD, I majored in Film and Television. Although I loved it, I missed photography. With a lot of consideration, I switched my major to photography and I intend to keep studying it until I graduate in Spring of 2026.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have definitely had my fair share of struggles like most creative people. One of the main things I have always struggled with is my mental health, which used to be something I hated talking about. Growing up and being adopted, I found it hard for me to feel like I belonged anywhere. I struggled to express my thoughts and emotions. Even though it can sometimes make things difficult, I believe art has also helped me open up and heal from what I struggled with in the past.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do photography and while in college, I am currently still exploring all the options as to what I can focus on specifically. I have recently been really into architecture and travel photography. I like to walk around for hours at a time with my camera looking for interesting things and compositions to photograph. I originally got into photography through portraiture so I find it funny that I did a whole 180 and went from photographing only people to photographing no people. I do love all types photography so it has been hard for me to stick to one focus. However, I believe that has provided me with a lot of versatility.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In my head I would like to think of myself as a risk taker but in reality, I think I am quite scared to take risks. I believe taking risks is important to growth so I am trying to be a bit more of a risk taker. Being at the beginning of my career, I have gotten into the mindset of saying yes to any opportunity that comes to me. My belief is that I would rather fail trying than not try at all and I think that belief is part of what encouraged me to pursue a creative career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jmpanmedia.wixsite.com/jmpanmedia
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmpan_media/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-m-pan
