Meet Alicia Han | Illustrator & Artist

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

Hi Alicia, why did you pursue a creative career?
When I was a child, my dad used to tell me, “If you can turn what you love into your career, then you’ve made it.” That idea stayed with me as I grew up — from the little girl who loved to draw princesses, to the illustrator I am today.

To me, illustration is more than just making pictures — it’s about building a connection between the artwork and the viewer. I hope that when people see my work, they feel something: the joy of a dog playing in the park, the warmth of a flickering flame, or the quiet emotions in a character’s eyes. I want my illustrations to be a bridge — one that brings people closer to stories, feelings, and maybe even to themselves.

Instead of being distant or abstract, illustration feels like an open invitation. It’s storytelling through visuals, and being able to tell those stories in a way that feels accessible and emotionally honest is what gave me the clarity and courage to pursue an artistic career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work with different media including acrylic, digital, and silkscreen printmaking. I love exploring the emotional textures of each material and how they interact with my visual language. Acrylic feels soft and gentle, digital media is clean and precise, and silkscreen — to me — feels like a mathematical equation: structured, exact, and satisfying in a completely different way. Each medium brings out a different side of the story I want to tell.

I’m still on my way — growing, learning, and discovering my voice more clearly each day. But if I had to describe my current style, I’d say:
My work is a mix of the bizarre, gothic, childlike mischief, and a dash of eerie realism — like a bedtime story that starts off sweet but takes an unexpected turn. I love playing with contrasts: innocence and strangeness, softness and unease. My illustrations often explore emotion through metaphor, blending the whimsical with the unsettling to tell stories that linger quietly in the heart. I’m excited to see where this strange little path of storytelling will lead me next.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This might sound a little strange, but after living and studying in New York City for four years, I’ve developed a very specific love: the NYC Ferry.

It’s part of the same MTA system as the subway — yes, the same one with the grimy platforms and screeching trains — but once you get on the ferry, it feels like another world. I’d take my best friend straight to the upper deck, where we could feel the wind and watch the skyline drift by from the river. It’s one of the most peaceful ways to see the city — like escaping the urban jungle without ever really leaving it.

I highly recommend taking the East River route. You can ride it all the way to Dumbo, which is my favorite spot in the city. There’s the Time Out Market with lots of great food, a huge lawn where you can lie down and relax by the water, and you’re surrounded by both the Brooklyn Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge. I love sketching there — it’s calm, breezy, and full of inspiration.

If you want to go beyond classic tourist spots like Central Park, I’d also suggest spending a quiet afternoon in Prospect Park, in Brooklyn. It’s less crowded, and I personally think it’s even more beautiful. There are hidden little waterfalls, wide open lawns, and winding paths where you can really slow down. You might even spot a swan if you’re lucky.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, my grandmother, my Aunt Jenny, and my cousin Jerry. They’ve supported my dream of becoming an artist since I was little and have loved me unconditionally every step of the way. My family has always been a major source of courage and motivation in my journey. They are always the first people I want to share my milestones with.

I’m also deeply grateful to my illustration instructors, Sam Weber and Steve Brodner. They taught me nearly everything I know about illustration — from how to strengthen a piece through revision, to how to approach the illustration world with clarity and integrity. I still remember Steve teaching us the “Rules of the Road,” and how both of them offered not just technical guidance, but also emotional support when I felt unsure about my path. They reminded me to protect my value, and to only work with people who respect and appreciate what I bring to the table. I carry their words with me wherever I go.

Website: https://qhan3.myportfolio.com

Instagram: @aliciaaaa_hqc

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/aliciahan