Today we’d like to introduce you to Raina Jia.
Hi Raina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Now looking back, I loved creating things by hand since an early age. Outside of school, I had extracurricular lessons like calligraphy, creative writing, dance, instrument…but I always enjoyed art making the most. My passion for art cooled down a bit when I grew older and learned that art is a difficult career to pursue. So I turned to graphic design, thinking it would be an alternative that could meet me in the middle. While I really enjoyed design, I felt something went missing for me. I was missing that emotional connection, the ability to tell my own as well as others’ stories, the resilience and calmness during the process. So I circled back to art, studied illustration at ArtCenter College of Design, recently graduated and working as a freelance illustrator
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe all of us have things that we are healing from. For a long while, they were weighing me down and brought me into a shell. Many saw something was wrong and tried to help, but until I could figure it out myself, no one could do it for me. Slowly through art-making and self-reflection, I was able to let things go and become a stronger and better person. There was and still is a lot of emotions packed into this short statement. Now, I want to help others heal through art as well.
As I was building myself, I also found that I am my biggest critic. I worked multiple art/design jobs during college and took on freelance projects. My motto has been that either I don’t take a project on, or if I do, I must do the best I can. I don’t think it is quite a perfectionist mindset because I do enjoy exploring and making mistakes in my work, but it definitely gives me lots of stress and anxiety when I don’t quite reach the level I wanted. I am now learning to have more fun during commercial projects.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Everyone is unique in their own ways and has worlds of their own. When I hadn’t developed a style and artistic vision, I didn’t believe the art one makes reflects who they are, but now I see every bit of me in my work. My passion for capturing stories, emotional moments, and surrealistic sceneries, my love for gouache and color pencils, digital illustration, animated films, punch needles, and tufting. I like to observe life from an unconventional perspective in order to form unique connections with others. I am most proud of my empathy and compassion, as well as the sensitivity in my work
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I have artwork available at a few places, and you can always reach me if you have any questions, freelance projects, or would like to buy artwork.
[email protected]
@rainyraearts
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rainajia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainyraearts/
