Reina Chen

Canada
Reina Chen is a Canadian illustrator who channels her unique and vibrant imagination to life through surreal, visually striking artwork. Her signature style blends modern organic patterns with bold graphic elements, creating a fresh and contemporary feel that’s unmistakably hers. Her creations are infused with bold colors and intricate line work, forming otherworldly images that feel both deeply personal and universally captivating.

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The beginning

What led you to venture into being an artist initially?
The comfort and peace that I didn’t have in life I found it in drawing and painting. Having the ability to create something visually beautiful and being able to entertain people around me with art gives my life more meaning.

How long have you been an artist?
Since 2019 / 5 years

Where you apprehensive or confident taking the step of becoming an artist?
It has always been clear to me that I want to be on this path. It’s the thing I enjoy the most at doing and nothing else has ever come close to art.

Perks & Struggles

What are the perks of being an artist?
As an artist, you can have two personas. One is how you look physically, the other is how your art looks. If you are unable to love your physical shell fully, art is a place where you can recreate your identity and personal completely based on your liking.

And on the flip side, what are the struggles you face?
It’s hard to convince myself there is any day where I shouldn’t draw or be creative. So it’s very easy to overwork, and forget rest of the things in life.

Work-life

Do you separate your work an private life?
I don’t separate it intentionally, in fact the longer I am an artist the more my art is merged into my daily life. My styles change and my personal experience also become the inspirations for my work

What are the sacred tools you couldn’t work without?
Mentally, A good eye for colour composition and style. Physically, I would say is my pad which I draw on a lot.

Has art helped you in your life journey?
Yep, it helped me to become a independent thinker, freeing spirit and a purposeful person.

Retrospective

What are some important lessons you have learned as an artist?
It is important to not let existing art styles, tools or art rules influence your creative process too much.

What is the purpose of art according to you? And what is the purpose of yours?
Many times over the years, I had people who work 8-5 corporate job telling me that they are desperate to have some kind of creative outlet, and when they look at us artist, and our work. It is like a cathartic experience for them, where they felt like their spirits has been rejuvenated. I think the purpose of art is to
entertain people like them. Give colors and imagination back to the people who needs them.

Future

Where do you want to be in 5 years?
I am currently pursuing a graduate art degree in Tokyo. I plan to learn more about what art means to this society, and incorporate the stuff I learned here to my future illustrations. I plan to keep being creative.

Extra

Any pearls of wisdom you would like to share to anyone who is thinking of becoming an artist?
Appreciate children’s art. Their boldness to use color and thick lines to depict the world they see, is something that us adult has lost while growing up.