Meet Kaya Lee | Character Designer & Illustrator

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

Hi Kaya, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
There are many quotes I carry along to remind myself of the wisdom of people who have walked the same path before. My most recent favorite one is “If it scares you, you’re probably doing it right”. I can’t remember where I have seen this quote but it’s a very simple and powerful message that I need the most for this stage of my life. I believe not only I, but most people must also feel stuck or confused at some point in their lives. There are so many uncertainties right now in this world, and no one can tell you if you’re on the right path or not. I’ve felt very stuck, especially after graduation in 2020. Pursuing art as a career is the scariest decision I’ve ever made, especially when the career is my passion. I moved back with my family after I graduated from college two years ago, and I always had the feeling that something was off. However, I was too afraid to make changes in my life and to get out of my comfort zone. Finally, I decided to move to Los Angeles in the summer of 2022, where most animation companies are. Although I have still not yet figured out everything, I can see things are slowly getting back in place. Moving to another city again without knowing a single person scares me to death, but that was the best decision I ever made in my life. Whenever I need to make a decision in my life, I’ll carry this quote to encourage myself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It sounds cliché, but I’ve been creating art since I was little. While all my classmates are reading novels, I’ve been reading a bunch of picture books and comics instead. I’d doodle all over my textbooks when I was in school. My mom knew that I was very into art, so she would send me to all kinds of art classes, such as ceramics and drawings. I’ve always been the most outstanding student in the art class in Taiwan. After graduating from middle school in Taiwan, I moved to Georgia, USA to study high school. Because international students weren’t that common back then, the transition between language and culture was extremely difficult. I barely made any friends in high school, and the art class was the only place I could truly feel joy during my time in school. I then went to the local community college to study general art, where I started taking art professionally. After 2 years of community college, I decided to continue my art education by studying illustration at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Moving to the city has influenced me a lot through all the art museums and events. I’ve connected with people from all unique backgrounds and met one of my best friends there. Leaving my hometown and family was not an easy decision, but all of these experiences allow me to look at things from a new perspective. I’ve outgrown from a shy little girl into an independent young adult, and I’m very proud of myself.
The lessons that I’ve learned are: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, because that’s how you discover yourself. Everything is going to be OK as long as you’re following your heart and being true to who you are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to the local coffee shops I’ve discovered because who wouldn’t love to have a good cup of coffee? Also, The Getty Villa Museum is one of the most beautiful museums I’ve visited in LA, and it’s very close to the beach!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out to my mom. Along with my journey pursuing art school and an art career, my mom has always supported me unconditionally. Unlike the traditional Asian parent, my mom is a pretty open-minded person who never forces me to choose a more stable job as a career. I’ve always been a very shy and unconfident child growing up. I think without her supporting me, I wouldn’t be able to be where I am today.

I also want to thank Bobby Chiu, the founder of LightBox Expo. He probably didn’t know me, but I’ve gained and learned so much through all the interviews and courses on Schoolism online. I met so many great artists and had such a wonderful time connecting with people in the industry at LightBox Expo last year. None of these would’ve happened without him. Although he didn’t know me, I’m truly grateful for what Bobby has done for the community.

Lastly, I want to thank Asians in Animation, Women in Animation, Warrior Painter, and RiseUp Animation. The non-profit organizations provide resources, advice, and a safe space for people who are new to the industry. I wouldn’t be able to learn and gain so much without these organizations and supportive individuals.

Website: https://kayaillustration.weebly.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaya-yun-lee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayaillustration

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kayaillustration