Meet Anne Chen: Artist & Animator

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

Hi Anne, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Have fun with your work! I used to stress out a lot about trying to appeal to too many audiences at once, and I’d end up with half-hearted work that didn’t appeal to anyone. Even if the result looked passable, if I personally didn’t like it, then it would feel like I wasted all the time I spent on the project. Nowadays I try to worry less about measuring up to others’ standards, and more about having fun as I work. I can always make adjustments for my clients later, but the time I spend on each project cannot be reversed. When it comes to art, I think projects that I had fun on will always look better than a project I suffered for, regardless of any technical skill involved.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To be honest, it’s still kind of strange to see myself as a professional. I simply draw what makes me happy to the best of my abilities, and I suppose there are like-minded people out there who enjoy my art too! I draw a lot of cute animals and characters with silly faces, and I think it’s that lighthearted atmosphere that appeals to people. They give off the air of the simple joy that comes from eating your favorite food, haha! I think the hardest thing I’ve had to overcome along the way is to have confidence, if not in myself then at least in my work. Part of sharing art is about sharing myself, and although that’s pretty scary sometimes, it’s wonderful to find people who accept and enjoy me as I am, silly sense of humor and all!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Food! For me it’s always about good food, especially desserts. There’s a place called Sweet Honey Dessert in Garden Grove that makes wonderfully fluffy pancakes and lots of traditional Asian desserts. I’d also definitely show them my favorite bakery, Paris Baguette, for fresh cakes and cute little pudding jars. And let’s not forget the Redondo Beach Pier for the fresh seafood! I love getting fresh crab and a warm bread bowl full of clam chowder to enjoy while smelling the sea breeze. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am always thankful for my family’s support. I wouldn’t be a person if not for them, never mind being an artist! Eating good food, seeing the world, knowing that I have a safe home at the end of the day-I think these are important experiences that have shaped who I am as a person, and thus who I am as a creator.

I’d also like to thank all the other artists and creatives sharing their works with the world. From my own close friends to strangers on the internet, fellow animators to crafters making intricate miniatures, seeing people pour their love and creativity into a project always inspires me to create things too.

Website: https://chena1023.wixsite.com/website

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