We had the good fortune of connecting with Elinda Xiao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elinda, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think I didn’t realize how much control over what I put out of my work, and what I choose to draw to begin with, until my second year of college. Up until then, I was really only working on assignments. Continuing my artistic journey has meant that I’m now able to be more creative, both with my style and with my time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I don’t think anyone’s artistic journey is easy, nor do I think they’re ever really “complete” until an artist’s career is done. A challenge for me on my creative path is definitely comparison. It’s taken me a long time, and it’s still difficult to realize that everyone is ultimately doing their own thing, and that they are also worried about their futures. No one’s guaranteed success in any field, but no one’s guaranteed failure either. Ultimately, as long as I can make other people happy with my work, and put my thoughts down on paper, I’m content.

I’m most excited to see my work continue to develop. It’s really more in charge of me than I am of it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would probably spend all my money and time taking them to various eateries and cafes around LA. There’s nothing better than bouncing from cafe to cafe and seeing how independent businesses can take their own twists on classics, like yuzu blackberry lemonade from Republique, or dipping ramen from Tsujita. I think trying to find whatever’s “trendiest” is exhausting, so really just find a good street and go into any shop that catches your eye.

Huntington Gardens is a must, too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to anyone who has encouraged me, really – no man is an island, and all that. And my mom, of course.

Website: https://www.elindadraws.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elindadraws/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elinda-xiao-473007192/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elindadraws

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.