TheSuperLoop

artist

September 29, 2021

Janie Hao left her career in the sciences behind and opted for something completely different - illustration. After feeling lost and unfulfilled in her job, Janie spoke to her friend, Linda Yan, who showed her a side of the art world she had never seen before, and from then on, she was hooked. Janie is now a freelance illustrator and graphic designer, who has worked on editorial illustrations, murals, logo designs, fashion design and is currently working on a children’s book. Her tenacity and drive led her to this unexpected career.

What does community and collaboration mean to you? What role does it play in your practice?

Those two things are just so important. Although freelancing feels like solitary work, having the community there to support you and give feedback makes all the difference to keep on going in my field. I’m not going to lie; I was getting a bit overwhelmed with social media and took a little hiatus. But it helps that my friends are still there and messaging me even though I’m not active. I definitely admire those who can do things and don’t need anybody, but I need my friends. Collaborating makes things feel so fun and involved and much more meaningful.

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If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to the “you” that’s just starting out?

When I started art school, it was very expensive. It wasn’t just the tuition; it was the materials, living expenses and so on. I was very worried about money and paying it all back, so I worked a part-time job that took a lot of time commitment. And honestly, I even took out a student loan at the same time. Looking back, I should've just chilled out and left the worrying for after because school is such a great bubble to be creative and push yourself when you’re around like-minded creatives. You don’t really have the environment after school. I know a lot of people don’t have that privilege but if it’s something that you can do, definitely try to be more present.

Tell me about a failure you’ve experienced—how did you get through it, and how did it help get you to where you are now?

After I first graduated, I was really lost in what I was doing. I was going so hard during school that when I finished, it was such a relief, but I ended up having tendonitis. I pushed myself too hard, and there were a lot of expectations coming from an Asian family, and I was like, how am I going to do this, haha? So, I started a YouTube Channel called Illustrating Failure. I documented my journey about getting started in my industry, and it was going really well for me until life hit me with a bucket of bricks! I think at this point, failure just feels like a constant for me. Some people out there are just like win-win-win, and I’ve realized that even through the failures, there are little wins; there’s always a silver lining.

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken? Did it pay off?

I think the biggest risk I’ve taken is changing career paths. I was a QA in the food industry and customer development, and it felt like something was missing in what I was doing. Even though the stress has increased exponentially, I definitely feel more fulfilled and happy. I’ve come a long way from where I was before.

How do you get yourself in “the zone” to work?

This really changes for me, but something that I found consistent is when I start early in the morning. Before, I used to stay up late and get up really late, but with the pandemic, I tried to really structure my life. In the morning, there are no distractions, no one is really contacting you, and your mood is not affected by other things, so it’s easier to get in a work zone. Otherwise, if I have a hard time focusing, I listen to How I Built This or TED Talks, and I’m like, dang, these people are productive, and it inspires me to work hard as well.

“...I’ve realized that even through the failures, there are little wins; there’s always a silver lining.”

Tell me about one unexpected place where you draw inspiration?

A place I wasn’t expecting to get inspiration from was podcasts. Before, I thought they were boring, and I only started getting into them a couple of years ago. I like hearing people in different careers outside of what I do and talking about issues that apply to all of us and how other people deal with similar issues. Some podcasts I love are TED Radio Hour and Work Life with Adam Grant.

You mentioned you’re going through a transitional period. Can you tell me a bit about that and how you’re managing it?

I think many things in my life are changing right now - my relationship, my living situation, aspects of my job, and how I view myself and interact with other people. I hate butterflies, but when I was thinking about this, I felt like I was in this cocoon phase where I’m hard on the outside but mush on the inside. I’m ready to rebuild who I am, but I don’t know what I will look like when I’m out of that cocoon - probably some Frankenstein, haha! But that’s where I am now. I’m just taking it day by day and trying not to beat myself up about it. When things are up in the air, I make lists and keep organized to manage them.

When working as a freelance illustrator, how do you create a holistic relationship with your clients?

This is a learn as you go journey. But I think it’s really important to build that trust and have clear communication. Being respectful and nice is important, but it’s also good to have boundaries and stick up for yourself, so it’s fair to you too. And that builds respect on the other end as well. Every situation is different, but keeping it professional and respectful is key to building a good relationship.

“I like hearing people in different careers outside of what I do and talking about issues that apply to all of us and how other people deal with similar issues.”