Meet Zaneta Lin | Illustrator and Graphic Designer

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

Hi Zaneta, why did you pursue a creative career?
I loved doodling! Growing up, I’ve doodled anywhere I could – whether it be on takeout boxes or while taking notes in class. But I had no idea that was what I’d end up choosing as my career path. It was a career I never even considered growing up until I found myself at a crossroads. It was the end of my Sophomore year in university and I was between choosing to become an elementary school teacher or taking a risk on an artistic career. At this point in my life, I’ve never taken a formal art class, but I knew it would be a dream that I didn’t want to miss the chance to try. I told myself, I would rather try and fail than not try and regret never giving it a chance. I took a chance on myself and I don’t regret an ounce of coming this far in my career. I love the joy of bringing smiles to people’s faces when they see my art and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While I was studying for my Masters in Illustration, I started designing stickers and started selling them online on Etsy. I learned a lot – not only in art, but how to manufacture, print, and market myself with my small business. As I grew my shop, I started to find my illustration style and honed in on what I wanted to create for my graduate program solo art exhibit. Traditionally these art exhibits are gallery and museum style shows, but I wanted to showcase my art in the best way that would allow for them to shine. Breaking the barriers of tradition, I curated my solo art exhibit as a pop-up market. Completing this graduate show is one of the proudest accomplishments I’ve experienced in my life. From installing shelving on the walls and building a checkout/register to designing and manufacturing my art. Every step of the process was a huge feat and I’m extremely proud of how everything turned out.

After creating this pop-up grad show, I started to participate in small business pop-up markets in Los Angeles and Orange County over the past few years. I’ve had the chance to work with different markets and local creatives such as Creative Communal, Creative Babe Market, and Dreamers Markets. One thing I love about participating in these local markets is being able to interact with the people. Being able to see their reactions and making people find even the slightest joy while enjoying my art is what I love about being an artist.

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 would take my friend on a little adventure around Southern California. We could hop on the Metrolink and take a trip down south to San Clemente and have a beachside stroll. We could also drive up to the mountains and have a mini camping getaway or hit the slopes during the winter. That’s the amazing thing about Southern California, we’re surrounded by the mountains and the ocean – getting the best of both!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my professors at CSUF who truly guided me, encouraged me, and took a chance on me, Christian Hill and Cliff Cramp. I would also like to give a shoutout to all my fellow peers who gave the best constructive feedback and art critiques. They are the reason why I’ve come from no experience to where I am today during my Master’s Program in Illustration.

Website: artofzanetalin.com

Instagram: @paperlife.co