Life & Work with Xiaoran Chen of San Francisco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Xiaoran Chen

Hi Xiaoran, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Like many concept artists, my journey began with doodles in textbooks and sketchbooks, where I created countless imaginary friends and their stories. Driven by this passion, I pursued Illustration at Pratt Institute and am currently studying concept art at the Academy of Art University. I’ve been fortunate to intern at Activision in 2022 and work on various animation projects over the past two years. These experiences have been invaluable, allowing me to grow significantly and broaden my perspective by collaborating with industry professionals in both game and animation fields.

While my education and work experience have refined my professional skills, the essence and personality of my art come from my aesthetic sensibilities and life experiences. I believe that artists must fully embrace life, seek out new experiences, and immerse themselves in their emotions to nurture their creative growth. I love going on road trips, meeting new people, and exploring unfamiliar places.

I am also deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received along the way. My mother, who has always believed in me even when I doubted myself, my friends, who have made my life colorful, and the mentors, professors, and artists who have inspired me—all have played a crucial role in shaping the artist I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to becoming an artist is rarely smooth. I often find that after creating a new piece, I love it for a day or so, but then, upon revisiting it, I see numerous areas for improvement. This ongoing struggle has become something I’ve learned to embrace. The current job market for concept artists is particularly challenging, but I remain hopeful that conditions will improve soon. Many artists I admire have told me that as long as I continue to create, I will progress. Being an artist is not a straight road; everyone has their own unique journey. So, I remind myself to keep going.

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?
I specialize in environment design as a concept artist for animation and games, focusing on creating immersive and believable worlds. My work is recognized for its distinctive shape language and color styles, and I often explore alien landscapes in fantasy and sci-fi genres.

I’m particularly passionate about color and light, which is why I also enjoy digital and oil plein-air painting. There’s something incredibly relaxing about setting up my easel and paint box on a beautiful day to capture the moment. One of my plein air pieces was featured in AAU’s Gallery show, an exciting and humbling experience, as it allowed me to showcase my work alongside many talented artists.

What sets me apart is my commitment to blending traditional painting techniques with digital artistry, creating rich, atmospheric environments that resonate with viewers, and enhancing storytelling in animation and games.

What matters most to you? Why?
When I first started college, I was convinced that art was everything. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized that art is just one part of a larger journey. Right now, what matters most to me is health—both mine and my family’s. It’s the foundation for everything we do and aspire to achieve. I hope we all stay healthy and continue to pursue our passions and dreams with vitality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xiaoqwq.artstation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xiao_qwq_