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

Hi Maggie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to pursue an artistic career because it was what i enjoyed most growing up. Anything creative from drawing, crafting, and even cooking was more enjoyable to me than math and science. No offense to the mathematicians and scientists out there of course! I think i just enjoyed using my hands to make something pretty or cute to look at as a kid and showing my parents my proud creations. I still do of course and my mom is always super proud of my work. So when it was time for me to choose a career path in high school, i didn’t hesitate to just go become a full time artist and make a living making things. It was honestly the best decision i have ever made.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Personally, most of my arts subject matter is based upon animals and nature and thats because i have a huge love for plant and animals. I am most comfortable with this topic too and i think its because i grew up watching so many shows on National Geographic, Discovery Channel and of course Animal Planet. My mom noticed i loved watching animal documentaries and got me a bunch of BBC documentaries as a child. I still find myself watching animal related shows on TV, like “The Zoo” on Animal Planet. As for my style of art, I have noticed lately that it changes depending on the medium I choose to use but it also has to do with what i want the image to look like as well. I enjoy making art thats cute and simple and i enjoy making things with a bit more details. I was a bit worried that it would become a problem for me but i have learned to live with it and be proud of it since its just me being myself and making what i want to make. Professionally, i am currently volunteering my time at a new start-up game design studio, Knight Time Games. Its a small group of us but its lot of fun and i am learning lots of new things from being here. Its a little challenging to learn something thats completely out of my field but i try my best to help out as much as i can while still creating concept and content illustrations for the games. Something i learned in the past few years is that i just have to be more confident in my work. I have a huge problem of self doubt and thinking my art isn’t good enough. Im pretty sure most artists go through this stage in their life and it’s alright. I learned its okay to feel anxious about your artwork but what you make is beautiful no matter how others view it. Just be happy, make your art, and have a nice hot cup of tea to calm yourself.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Atlanta so much. I moved here for college five years ago and It was such a wonderful idea. If i were to take my best friend somewhere it’ll have to be the more touristy attractions. The World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden for some wonderful pictures. I would see if they would also be interested in the Atlanta BeltLine too and along the way we could check out Krog Street Market for some yummy food. Stone Mountain Park is outside the city of Atlanta but its still a nice park to go to and have a little camping or barbecue.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I honestly have to give a lot of thanks to my college professors and my classmates. They all watched me and supported me through this path just as much as i did for them. My professors were super supportive of us all and made sure we graduated with all the knowledge we could ever need to really make it in the industry. My classmates and i still stay in touch and we all stick together as fellow artists and friends. We bounce off of each other for ideas, help each other by evaluating each others art and of course moral support is key in this. I want to also give a shoutout to my parents. I can’t talking about thanking others without my parents being involved because they are my MVP’s. They supported me every step of the way; from when i was a toddler drawing on walls with a crayon to me drawing and creating full fledge digital paintings as an adult. There were uneasy at first when i told them i wanted to be an artist but they encouraged and supported me every step of the way. I know they are very proud of me and i really appreciate all they have done for me.

Website: maggieyuen.com
Instagram: maggieyuenstudio