We recently had the chance to connect with Kevin Chiu and have shared our conversation below.
Kevin, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, my days are a mix of creation and preparation. I usually start my day by studying Japanese in the morning, focusing on communication skills that will help me better connect with professionals in the Japanese animation industry. The rest of my day is dedicated to art — developing my animation side project and working on background design or concept art for Japanese-style animation. I often experiment with light, texture, and atmosphere in Photoshop to refine my style. In between projects, I research studios, watch animated films, and analyze their visual storytelling. My current goal has shifted toward building stronger ties with the animation industry worldwide, so each day is a step toward that direction.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an artist specializing in traditional-style background painting and concept art, blending both American and Japanese animation aesthetics. Much of my work aims to capture a rich sense of realism, often inspired by my memories of Taiwan, my hometown. I’m currently creating my own animation projects while also working on Japanese-style animation backgrounds. What makes my work unique is my focus on light, texture, and atmosphere, combined with the emotional layer of nostalgia. My current goal is to connect more deeply with the Japanese animation industry, building bridges through shared visual language and storytelling.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Watching documentaries about Studio Ghibli was a turning point for me. I noticed how deeply they value expressing the environments of their everyday lives, drawing inspiration from their own surroundings and culture. Hayao Miyazaki’s dedication to honoring his cultural roots resonated strongly with me. It inspired me to create animation that is gentle and kind, especially in today’s world where profit and efficiency often take center stage. It reminded me of the importance of returning to simplicity and authenticity.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Believe in yourself, and keep going for the sake of creating something better.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe in the quiet power of simple, genuine kindness — small acts of help or goodwill given without any reason, agenda, or expectation in return. These moments are free from value systems, social positions, or personal gain. They come from a pure place in human nature that chooses to be good simply because it can. While I can’t prove this with evidence, I’ve felt its presence in my life and in the people I’ve met. I believe such kindness, though invisible and immeasurable, shapes the world in ways we rarely see.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing something I chose for myself — something that holds meaning for me. No one told me to pursue this path, and it wasn’t always something I envisioned doing from the start. But creating, especially through visual storytelling, feels like the closest I’ve come to expressing the feelings and ideas I truly want to share. It’s not about fulfilling an assigned role; it’s about finding the form that resonates most deeply with who I am, and allowing that to grow into the work I put into the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kevinchiuart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinchiu_art/
Image Credits
Kevin Chiu
