The life of an artist is often seen as a dreamy one, yet there is much more to it than meets the eye. Leanne Huynh, an artist with a B.A. in Studio Art from UCI and experience working at video game companies such as Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, and NCSoft offers insight into her creative journey that has been heavily influenced by tragedy and personal experiences. We are thankful that Leanne has joined us for an interview as one of our Artist Highlights.
Leanne’s art is heavily influenced by the video game and animation genre, but also her own personal experiences. When asked what inspired her to create art, she said that it was after the death of her mother. Her mother meant the world to Leanne and when she passed away, she wanted to do something with her life that her mom would be proud of. This heavily inspired her to pursue art as a career and she has been creating ever since.
The role of artists in society is an integral one as they have the ability to evoke strong emotions, inspire others, and create beauty out of something seemingly mundane. From chairs, tables, cars to houses, art is everywhere. As Leanne states, “Although artist contributions are often overlooked and underestimated, our role in society is pretty important and ubiquitous”.
When asked what superpower she would have if given the opportunity, Leanne chose the power of the Green Lanterns because it could give her the ability to do so many things. She also shared that although food and drink don’t usually inspire her, she loves to listen to music while creating art. When she gets lost in the songs or feel them the most is when her best work comes out.
Leanne Huynh is an inspirational artist who has been heavily influenced by tragedy and personal experiences. Her story is a testament to the importance of art in society and how it can be used as an outlet for emotions, creativity, and interpersonal interactions. Her artwork speaks volumes about her journey thus far and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Leanne also acknowledges the challenge of being an artist. From learning what tools work best for different projects, finding inspiration, or staying motivated when times are tough. She offers advice on how to stay creative saying that “the key is finding something unique in everything you create”. Once you find this unique quality in your artwork, the rest should come easy! Additionally she encourages artists to take their time with creating pieces and not rush through them. Taking breaks throughout the process is also important to help refocus.
Here’s the deep dive from the interview.
Why do you do what you do?
There are a myriad of reasons. I started seriously down the path of being an artist because of my mom’s death. She meant the world to me and when she passed away, I wanted to do something with my life she’d be proud of. Over the years, I continue creating art because it brings me fulfillment in being able to express myself and communicate with others through art. It’s also completely amazing and humbling to realize that I’ve been able to create something that has the ability to evoke so many incredibly emotional responses from others.
Describe your day.
To be honest, my days could be more consistent and structured but specifically, on my art days at home, I check my email, social media (sometimes), and then start working on my art. My convention/show days are mostly setting up my table or booth, interacting with people, and sometimes getting inspired by the interactions.
What’s your background?
I have a B.A. in Studio Art from UCI and I’ve worked in a couple video game companies like Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, and NCSoft.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
Tools and inspiration.
What role does the artist have in society?
Art is everywhere. From your chair to your table to your car to your house, etc. Everything requires art in some form so although artist contributions are often overlooked and underestimated, our role in society is pretty important and ubiquitous.
What art do you most identify with?
Art involving the video game or animation genre.
What’s your favorite piece?
As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized naming favorites of anything is very difficult.
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
My mom’s death.
What food, drink, or song inspires you?
I’d have to say that food and drink don’t usually inspire me. I just revel in good food, lol. I can’t name a specific song that inspires me but I do listen to a lot of them when I do art. Oftentimes, I feel that when I get lost in the songs or feel them the most is when I do my best work.
What superpower would you have and why?
Probably the power of the Green Lanterns because I could do so many things with it. I feel like it’s cheating because it’s an overpowered ability that can give you the ability of a variety of superpowers.
Leanne Huynh’s story has inspired many and her unique artwork continues to do the same. Her advice on how to stay creative, take breaks, and find something unique in each piece of artwork speaks volumes of her journey as an artist thus far. We are so inspired by Leanne and we invite you to be too! Let’s all use this opportunity to explore our creative side and never stop creating!
Thank you for reading about Leanne’s inspiring journey as an artist! What motivates or inspires you when it comes to your own art? Do you have any tips or tricks that help you stay motivated and creative? Share with us in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.
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