Creative Career Stories: Emma Shen

Pursuing her dream creative career has taken illustrator Emma Shen all around the world; from Shanghai where she grew up to her current home in Edinburgh.

What I Do

Over the years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with renowned international brands like Coach, Ferrero, Raffles City, and Olay, bringing their visions to life through illustrations, installations, and designs. While my primary focus is on digital artwork, I also spend time on the traditional mediums of drawing and painting. I love the magical feeling of putting a paintbrush on canvas or the delicate strokes of a pencil on paper.

An International Education

I was born and raised in Shanghai, where my education revolved around academics rather than nurturing creativity. However, my true artistic journey began when I enrolled in college in the US. In my first year, I dabbled in experimental cinema, which ignited my curiosity for exploring different art forms. By my sophomore year, I had fallen in love with painting and fine art, and the interconnectedness of various artistic expressions fascinated me.

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I will forever be grateful to those professors who not only inspired me but also nurtured my passion for art.

It was during this time that one of my painting professors invited me to take his summer school in Ireland, where I experienced the joy of being a full-time artist, painting en plein air. This immersive experience was a revelation, and I discovered my true calling in life - I wanted to be an artist. I will forever be grateful to those professors who not only inspired me but also nurtured my passion for art.

I made a significant change in my life by moving to the UK. It's been a thrilling transition as I explore new possibilities and immerse myself in a fresh creative environment.

Working In Advertising

Embarking on a career as an artist is no easy path; it demands unwavering determination. After graduating, I initially chose a career in design to support myself financially. I worked in bustling cities like Los Angeles and Shanghai in the advertising industry for a few years. While it may have seemed like a detour, I now recognize that those experiences provided me with valuable insights into the professional world and allowed me to establish connections and build a solid client base.

The Right Path

While the journey hasn't always been smooth and there have been moments of stress and self-doubt, I have never questioned my decision to pursue art. Deep down, I've always known that I'm on the right path. Art is where my passion lies, and it fills me with a sense of purpose and joy. Whether I'm creating art or simply being surrounded by it, I feel alive and content. I've faced artistic blocks, financial challenges, and personal and political crises, but art has always been my anchor, guiding me back to my true calling.

Now, with the privilege of having worked with both prominent international brands and small local businesses, as well as being featured in magazines across different countries, I've gained an abundance of experience that surpassed my wildest dreams as a young art student. I firmly believe that if you wholeheartedly love what you do, possess a thirst for learning and improving your craft, and maintain an unwavering determination to persevere through any obstacles, you will eventually realise the visions you hold in your heart.

Follow Emma Shen: Website & Instagram

This article was originally published by Make Bank - a social project now run by Agents for Change. Find out more here.

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