10 Questions with Morain An

Morain An is an illustrator who tries to communicate with the world through visual language. She lives and works in New York City.

Her creative process is a journey of exploration and introspection. She delves deep into the subject matter, whether it's a social issue or an editorial topic, to fully understand its meanings and implications. Through research, introspection, and dialogue, she develops a profound connection with the subject, which is reflected in her art.

A significant source of inspiration for her art lies in the mesmerizing artwork of 60s and 70s Asian magazines, with their captivating free-line work. The freedom of expression found in these masterpieces speaks to her on a profound level, guiding her own artistic journey and encouraging me to push the boundaries of my creativity.

morain-ann.com | @morain.ann

INTERVIEW

Tell us more about yourself: How did you start working with illustrations? And when did you realize you wanted to follow this career path?

During my high school years, I was introduced to the fascinating world of illustrations. As I delved deeper into this realm, I gradually realized how immensely significant visual language is in shaping our understanding of the world and our experiences within it. This realization ignited a passion within me to continue honing my skills and knowledge in illustration. Witnessing the power that illustrations have in conveying ideas, emotions, and narratives was a pivotal moment that solidified my desire to pursue this captivating career path.

Tell us about your background. How did you develop into such a skillful illustrator?

My journey as an illustrator can be traced back to my upbringing in China, where my fascination with art began at a young age. My artistic journey started with early drawing lessons during my first-grade years. In those initial classes, I was often encouraged to replicate existing works, but I struggled to grasp the purpose behind this approach. As I continued to nurture my artistic skills over the years, a profound realization gradually emerged: there are no rigid rules governing how art should be created. This understanding solidified as I matured, and I discovered that the true essence of illustration lies in the narratives and messages it conveys. I came to understand that even if a piece lacks explicit meaning, it inherently holds significance. Instead of adhering strictly to established paths, I felt it was crucial to dedicate my time to uncovering the artistic methods that resonated most authentically with me. This journey of self-discovery has played a pivotal role in shaping me into the skilled illustrator I am today.

Sketch page of a memory, Watercolor, 8x10 inch, 2022 © Morain An

What are your main sources of inspiration and visual references for your work?

My primary sources of inspiration and visual references for my work are drawn from two main areas: news and personal experiences. The ever-evolving landscape of news and current events serves as a constant source of ideas, offering a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world around us. Whether it's societal shifts or individual stories, these narratives often ignite my creativity and motivate me to transform complex themes into visual representations. Additionally, my personal experiences play a significant role in shaping my creative process. The emotions, challenges, and triumphs I encounter on my personal journey serve as a reservoir of genuine feelings that find their expression in my illustrations. By weaving together these two sources – the broader societal discourse and my own intimate encounters – I am able to imbue my work with a profound depth of perspective and authenticity.

In your statement, you define your creative process as a "journey of exploration and introspection." What are your preferred subjects? Do you have any recurring theme or subject you like to explore?

It appears that my preferred subjects revolve around societal narratives, drawing inspiration from my past experiences and keen observations of life. Furthermore, I'm deeply intrigued by the interplay between nature and humanity. Cultural diversity and the shared human experience consistently emerge as central themes in my work. The use of illustration and artwork as a means to convey narratives and stories is a subject that I am perpetually eager to explore.

Sketch page of inside - ouside sketch, Watercolor, 8x10 inch, 2022 © Morain An

Sketch page of Mishima and Grandma, Watercolor, 8x10 inch, 2022 © Morain An

Speaking of your creative process, what is it like? How do you go from the first idea to the final outcome?

Before beginning work on a single piece or a series, I conduct extensive research to determine the best course of action. Typically, in order to develop and perfect my ideas, I collect pertinent references and images. I frequently begin by experimenting with watercolor compositions on paper. This preliminary stage enables me to investigate the potential of the project. I then proceed to the final stages of the process, devoting considerable time to deliberate contemplation prior to commencing the drawing itself. As the notion becomes more distinct in my mind, the time required to complete the ultimate product significantly diminishes.

You have a very distinctive palette of predominantly muted colors; what do these colors represent for you? And how do you use them in your work?

By employing a vibrant yet subdued color scheme, I am capable of eliciting feelings of delight in observers while also communicating sentiments and stories in an authentic and relatable manner. I employ these hues deliberately to create the ambiance and character of my illustrations. Establishing a narrative against the backdrop of the subdued hues facilitates a more profound engagement with the work by the viewer. These colors function as a canvas upon which I construct strata of significance.

What messages do you want to convey with your work? What kind of stories do you think pair better with your messages?

My artistic goal is to communicate the stories of cultures and narratives as I perceive and observe them. Furthermore, I have a strong affinity for narratives that shed light on social issues and ignite inspiration for positive change. These themes closely align with the messages I aspire to convey through my illustrations.

On a different note, how do you promote your work? And what do you think is the best approach for an illustrator to get recognized?

First and foremost, establishing a professional website and online portfolio is crucial. This platform allows for a carefully curated showcase of my finest work. Additionally, I find social media platforms, especially Instagram and Behance, to be dynamic channels for sharing my illustrations and engaging with a wider audience. Collaborations also play a significant role in promoting one's work. Partnering with brands and fellow artists or participating in group projects can substantially enhance visibility and reach. I firmly believe that the key to gaining recognition lies in cultivating a unique style and staying true to one's artistic voice. Moreover, continuous learning and improvement are paramount. Staying informed about industry trends and honing one's skills ensures that the work remains relevant and continues to captivate a growing audience.

Sketch page of Mishima’s wedding, Watercolor, 8x10 inch, 2020 © Morain An

What is your ultimate career goal? Is there a brand or project you would like to collaborate with? Or a project you have been meaning to start?

I'm actively searching for more challenging opportunities in the field of illustration, and I'm open to taking on additional responsibilities in art direction. My commitment to maintaining and improving my drawing skills remains unwavering, regardless of my job title. I'm especially enthusiastic about the idea of collaborating with food and beverage brands, whether it involves creating illustrations for their products or producing dynamic animations for their advertising campaigns.

Lastly, what are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future?

I'm currently engaged in a collaborative effort with some friends on a music video, and this project marks my first foray into creating an entire video through animation. The journey has been immensely enjoyable, and I find it to be an exceptionally rewarding experience. Looking ahead, I'm enthusiastic about transitioning towards large-scale painting. I'm particularly excited about the prospect of experimenting with an airbrush gun, as I believe it will introduce a fresh dimension of depth and texture to my artwork.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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