Hi! I’m Junjun!
I am an illustrator from China, currently living in New York. I graduated from the School of Visual Arts with an MFA in illustration as Visual Essay in 2023. Prior to moving to New York, I had worked in China's financial industry for seven years. The repetitive nature of my daily work made me feel like I was losing the essence of life. After intense struggles, I made a career change, starting to learn art and working as a visual designer later. Through this journey, I gradually discovered my love and passion for illustration.
Much of my inspiration comes from real life. The connections and emotions between people, the moments that linger in memories, and the realizations that suddenly dawn after experiencing much can become sparks for my next creation. I enjoy creating cinematic atmospheres and storytelling in my artwork. As a woman, I naturally focus on inner growth and feminine consciousness. I believe illustrations can convey the feeling beyond the words and resonate with audiences, which I hope to achieve in my works.
Awards/Honors：
Communication Arts，Tea for Three，Award of Excellence，2024
HIII Illustration, Gone with the Cat, Best of Best, 2023
HIII Illustration, The Days I Spent at the Hospital, Merit, 2023
iJungle Illustration Awards, Self-Promotion, Tea for Three, Merit, 2023
The Cheltenham Illustration Awards, Tea for Three, Award Winner, 2023
3x3 Illustration 20, Student Picture Book, The Days I Spent at the Hospital, Merit，2023
American Illustration 42, Chosen Winner, Tea For Three, 2023
American Illustration 42, Chosen Winner, The Days I Spent at the Hospital, 2023
Communication Arts, Illustration Shortlist, The Days I Spent at the Hospital, 2023
3x3 Illustration 19, Student Picture Book, Carolie’s Dream, Merit，2022
3x3 Illustration 19， Student Picture Book, Gone with the Cat, Honorable Mention，2022
iJungle Illustration Awards, New Talent, Gone with the Cat, Merit, 2022
iJungle Illustration Awards, New Talent, Carolie’s Dream, Merit, 2022
iJungle Illustration Awards, New Talent, A Feast in Song Dynasty, Merit, 2022
iJungle Illustration Awards, New Talent, Relationship, Merit, 2022
SVA MFA Illustration Department Merit Scholarship, 2022
SVA MFA Illustration Department Merit Scholarship, 2021
Exhibitions:
MoCCA Arts Fest, Society of Illustrator, NYC, 2024
The Red Envelope Show 2024, Harman Projects, 2024
The Selected Thesis Show, SVA Chelsea Gallery, New York, 2023
The Book Show, SVA Gramercy Gallery, New York，2022
Sequential Synergy: The Art of Comics, 440 Gallery, Brooklyn，2022
The Museum of Extraordinary Things, SVA Gramercy Gallery, New York，2022
Press:
Creative Boom, Illustrator Junjun Chen invites you to look at fear from a different perspective
ShoutoutLA, Meet Junjun Chen | Illustrator
3x3 International Illustration Annual No.20, 2023
3x3 International Illustration Annual No.19, 2022
A.R.T. Magazine, Issue 10
Communication Arts magazine, May/June 2024 Issue
2023 Cheltenham Illustration Awards Annual
Contact: junjunchenart@gmail.com
Instagram: @junjunchen.art