Meet Tryn Cheng | Illustrator

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

Hi Tryn, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Honestly it has been a great challenge transitioning from a student, having graduated this previous December, and becoming a freelance illustrator. Although my mind is already on track towards next steps into my career, my body is still in student mode. This past month after graduation I have found myself doing multiple all-nighters with back-to-back deadlines that have left me mentally drained. As a student, my entire schedule was preset, but now, especially as a freelancer, it’s very uncertain. I realized that going forward, it’s important to leave enough time to recharge so that I can bring my best self to the next project.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love creating illustrations that challenge me conceptually and spark a reaction. It’s exciting when others can feel the emotion I wanted to convey and for that feeling to deepen the more they view that work. My work includes details that zero onto specific aspects but also encompasses a larger theme as you take in the whole illustration. Even then you may notice other details that also add to the overall narrative. Because of that, I’ve learned a lot, and still am, about symbolism and pulling from history or modern associations to best illustrate an idea.

One of my biggest challenges is working with my Tourette’s. I usually have to take multiple breaks while working due to my motor tics which in turn greatly lengthens the time it would take for me to illustrate. It can be very frustrating at times but by stepping away for a bit, I can come back refreshed and with a clear mind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I grew up in San Gabriel Valley so I will definitely take them to all my comfort food areas. Dim sum at 888 Seafood Restaurant on Valley Blvd. is a childhood favorite of mine. There’s nothing better than looking at the carts for your go to dishes or even discovering a new dish to love. If you are a meat lover like me, then KBBQ at OO-Kook is an absolute must. After a fulfilling meal, you can’t properly hang out unless you have boba in your hand. My favorite is lavender milk tea from Neighbor’s Tea House but if you’re adventurous then perhaps an avocado durian smoothie is more up your alley.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As a recent graduate, I really appreciate some of my instructors at Academy of Art University who have given me encouragement and key insight into the Illustration industry. Cybele Zufolo was one of my Liberal Art instructors who encouraged me to actively pursue becoming a children’s book illustrator. Julie Downing, a children’s book illustrator, guided me more in depth into the technicalities behind the creation of children’s books. She gave me great encouragement as I developed my portfolio, even taking extra time to offer feedback on my past work and how to approach the future. Jorge Mascarenhas, an editorial illustrator, challenged me conceptually and guided my illustrations to a higher level. These instructors have motivated me to become an editorial and children’s book illustrator. I greatly value my time and experiences at AAU which opened doors as to what I could achieve in the future.

Website: https://www.tryncheng.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tryn.cheng/