We asked Lin Chen about the impact of winning an award for her illustrations about ADD in Women for Vogue ME magazine, her tips for illustrators entering WIA2020, and her future plans…

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your practice as an illustrator?

I am an illustrator currently based in Shanghai, China. I studied animation at University. While studying there, I found I prefer illustration to animation production. After graduation, I decided to learn and improve my illustration skills further. So, I took an MFA in Illustration at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. This helped me to understand illustration and to prepared me for the next step about my career.

I earned an MFA degree from Academy of Art University in December 2018, and I am lucky to have won the New Talent Editorial Category at the World Illustration Awards 2019. I like to draw female characters to tell stories, admiring their soft and strong characteristics.

Because my style is very graphic, I am doing some projects that could combine short sentences and images together to create new works. Also, I try to animate my works so that they are more dynamic.

Can you explain a bit about the work you entered to the World Illustration Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

I did this series illustration for VOGUE ME magazine. The article talked about several ways ADD in women is different from men, because women who have ADD often struggle with focus. Sometimes they feel alienated, lonely and not understood.

I think it is a powerful source of inspiration, guidance, support, and encouragement if women who have ADD can take care of each other.

I really like the colour palette and the composition. I used four different composition to depict the atmosphere and the story. One colour palette makes the four illustrations more uniform and complete. The character design and the geometric composition make my style more distinct.

How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

It means a lot to me. Because it proved to me that my style and skill at this stage of my career are good. And I’m grateful since I never thought I would be recognised in this short time after I graduated.

It will push me to be more competitive by filling in gaps in my CV and increasing my visibility. Also seeking out senior colleagues who will cheer for me help me build a strong support base. It is a good motivation to push me forward and keep on my way.

What would your advice be for illustrators who might be thinking about entering this year’s Awards?

Keep your confidence and draw what you like!

Entering this year’s World Illustration Awards will be a wonderful experience in your life.

Can you tell us about your future plans? 

My boyfriend is currently working in the game industry as a lead concept artist. We have an idea, to make a 2D indie game or 2D animation. We’re looking for a way to make something new in terms of the style to showcase best part of each other. I think there will happen soon, as  we are each getting stronger in our own industries – we’ll make it work!

The World Illustration Awards 2020 are open until 18 February 2020. 

Find out how to enter here: theaoi.com/world-illustration-awards