Hsinping Pan is the featured seller on Etsy

From the Esty feature:

“Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am Hsinping Pan. I grew up in Taiwan and then moved to Los Angeles to study animation. After eleven years in LA, I recently moved back to Taiwan. I like to draw colorful things and sometimes make stories for them. I found art is the best way to express myself and connect with the world — I like to make things that make me happy and also bring joy to viewers.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I like watching movies and reading books. I also love to travel and eat delicious food.

What first made you want to become an artist?

I’ve loved drawing ever since I can remember, but I didn’t think about becoming an artist until I went to college for business. I was really frustrated and confused by my classes and found my true passion in creating things. Now I really appreciate that I initially studied business because it helped me make up my mind to become an artist!

Please describe your creative process.

If it’s for a project, I will draw the first thing that comes into my head. Then I’ll do some research and add more details to my drawings. If it’s for myself, I like to doodle in a place where people are interacting, like in a seminar or coffee shop. Doodling in my sketchbook is a very important creative process for me.

When I color the image, I sometimes use acrylic, illustrator software, or I’ll mix a handpainted image with a digital image.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

My friend made a crochet lion and gave it to me when I was very sad. It was a cute doll and made me happy. But somehow I can’t find it anymore… I think maybe he went on his own journey. I will miss him forever.

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.

Movies:
Amelie
My Neighbor Totoro
Au Revoir Taipei
Wallace & Gromit
Mother (Korean movie)
Books:
Dear Diary by Sara Fanelli
The Lonesome Puppy by Yoshimoto Nara
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
Un Lion a Paris by Beatrice Alemagna
My Friends by Taro Gomi

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

Develop your own style and keep creating things. Love what you make and enjoy making it.

What are your favorite features on Etsy? What new features would you like to see?

I really like that you can Shop by Color. It’s so fun to pick a color and find surprises. I also find the Forums very useful. I’ve learned many tips there.

How do you promote your work?

I am not a very good promoter, but I think updating your shop often with new work helps. I also make sure that each order is made with great quality, and I like to include a small thank you note.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

I would like to have my own studio and to work on interesting projects. I would like to make more art, books and films and also create my own stationery or toy line.”

See more of Hsinping’s art here.

Monday: Jackie Besteman’s work for Financial Post