Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Yan
Hi Tina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
To go back to the very beginning, I was just a toddler drawing without a care on the walls of my family’s first home with markers and crayons. Ever since, I knew I always wanted to be an artist and never stop drawing – and that hasn’t changed. But of course, having traditional Chinese parents, this was unacceptable as an occupation. So, I aimed to prove myself to them and show my unwavering passion.
My parents gradually grew to support me and encourage my goals as I stubbornly held onto my pencils and took on various art competitions. I took rigorous art lessons for over 10 years with Brian Zheng, a prolific oil painter and member of the Alberta Society of Art, of whom I attribute my skills and knowledge. I wanted to get my name out there in the art world – I was recognized as a top 30 finalist in 2018 and 2019, for the national Calgary Stampede Poster Competition in Canada, and was also featured in Canadian magazines like Circe, Ink Movement and the Australian Inward Skate Magazine over the years. Professionally, I have worked for the Chinese Cultural Promotion Society in my hometown, Edmonton, as a graphic designer, website designer and arts and crafts teacher for children.
I moved to Toronto, Ontario in 2019 to study Illustration at the Ontario College of Art and Design University due to its extensive programs and the lack of an art school in my city. There, my eyes were opened to the art industry and the possibilities illustration could encapsulate. It honed my technical and conceptual skills and created the base for my aesthetic approach. Still, after graduating in 2023, I felt like there was so much more to learn, and I didn’t want to stop there. After researching the top art schools in the world, I decided to take the leap to study abroad in a city completely different from Toronto for a fresh perspective and challenge.
Now, I’m studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design for my MFA in Illustration, constantly learning new things and paving a way into the industry, one step at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has truly been a road full of hills and valleys. Pursuing my passion taught me it was only as real as the amount of work I poured into it. I wanted to realize my dreams and to do so, I poured every bit of myself into my work – sometimes neglecting other aspects of my life. Work-life balance has always been a struggle for me as I am an extreme workaholic. As physical and mental health concerns arose throughout my life, as well as dealing with chronic eczema on my hands, I have realized the importance of taking care of myself and taking breaks often. In addition, I also recognized the fact that I could not handle everything by myself – I needed to rely on God, and share my feelings with others to build a strong support system with close friends and family. By having this network, I feel less overwhelmed and am reassured in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
Moving around so much for my studies has been another struggle. It has forced me to be the one to reach out to others first. Making friends was very difficult in my undergraduate study and it was only in the last two years that I made lasting friendships. However, it forced me to evaluate myself and change my approach. Looking back at all my connections since coming to SCAD, I realize that by breaking out of my shell more and more I have been blessed with countless amazing friends and peers that fuel my passion and inspire me to constantly reach new heights. It really is a positive feedback loop – by giving to others and seeking to help them in their own paths, my life has been filled with more memories and experiences I never thought I would have.
Ultimately, it is through my struggles that I’ve grown as a person and an artist, and I believe that every trial happens for a reason – for our own good, according to God’s plan – shaping us to be stronger than we were before.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an illustrator and comic artist who specializes in illustrating characters and narratives. I love reading stories, whether they be books, webcomics, graphic novels or manga, and I enjoy sharing stories I have written and personal experiences in my work. I have created various zines, webcomics and self-published my first manga RUDBECKIA in 2022, which can be read online here https://www.xanurok.com/rudbeckia-comic. I am focused on working in publishing, visual development and advertising fields, but would love to apply my work to other areas as well.
Medium-wise, I enjoy working with mainly ink, watercolour, marker and digital art programs. However, I absolutely love to try new tools and mediums! I have experience in screenprinting, animation and motion design, and book-making. I like to combine different mediums to open up more possibilities for my work and to just have fun.
My work draws much inspiration from street art, anime and music. Rock, metal and electronic music fuel my work in bold, expressive line work and explosive neon colours. Most of all, I want to express the spirit of skateboarding. Ever since I started to skate a few years ago, I became engrossed in the culture and aesthetic. I have been deeply inspired by the supportive and fearless nature of the community and lifestyle. Not only has it been incredibly freeing and energizing, it has inspired me to take risks and accept the possibility of failure – always getting back up after falling down, and trying again. I hope to express this determination and encourage individuality and experimentation in my work.
Right now, I am proud of my spontaneity, curiosity and acceptance of imperfections. Of course, I still have that inner perfectionist in me, but I am proud of my growth into an artist that always seeks to learn and challenge myself in all kinds of mediums.
How do you define success?
For me, it means finding a stable state where I am able to express myself without restraint or limitations, and to make a difference with my work. If my art can entertain, emphasize, spread joy and inspire others to stay true to themselves, I would be elated. I want my stories and illustrations to be something people can look forward to each day, and I want to have fun with the process at the same time. Professionally, I would love to be recognized for my unique approach and have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. I hope to be fulfilled by my work in whatever job I take on, whether that be freelancing or in-house. The important thing for me is to still have the element of “play” in my life and to keep developing my skills, striving to become better than I was yesterday.
In a nutshell, I believe success is to flourish to one’s fullest potential while leaving room for possibility and growth, not losing the spark that started it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xanurok.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xanurok/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-yan-670627203/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOE6tsHBZQiB27uOhr3QnA
