My Illustrator Journey

My name is Nien-Ken Alec Lu.

It’s very nice to meet you! I’m a freelance illustrator based in San Francisco who specializes in editorial and commercial illustrations. I’d like to take you on a journey of how I started to become an illustrator. Let’s go!

When I was a kid.

I love picture books! Growing up in Taiwan, my earliest memories always involved reading manga with my brother. Then we would sit at our desks doodling ideas of our own characters that were inspired by them. We fell in love with art because of picture books

When in school.

I love Art classes! My favorite subject of the week at school was Art. It was the class I would enjoy every single second of it, and I could stand in front of my classmates confidently talking about what I drew and painted at the period. I was like a fish in water.

When I moved.

I immigrated to America. In high school, I became an exchange student and moved to America. It was hard to say goodbye to my family, but I knew it was what I wanted to become an illustrator. Before art school, I moved across the states to get a more affordable education. For a long time, It was just me and luggage most of the time.

In art school.

I moved to San Francisco. I worked the hardest I ever had. I made many friends and built a community I love. I started to know myself better and became more confident and adventurous. I came out shortly after a year and got to live with honesty and freedom.

Started my career.

Chasing my dream. I started working full-time and freelancing for projects I could find. I struggled, a lot, and oftentimes, I still do. But I never gave up. I had the privilege of working with various creatives, and got to know them professionally and even personally. This marathon is long and hard sometimes, but it sure fills me with joy.

Working is fun.

I’m always open for new work! As for now and going forward, I’m constantly looking for new projects to work on and living this freelancer’s life. My illustrator journey continues. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m excited to keep at what I’m doing. Thanks for being on this journey with me!