About

Welcome to KinKin Illustration & Design! I go by Melanie, but my given name in Chinese is 欣, pronounced "Yun." My nickname growing up was 欣欣, which means "joy & happiness." I also spent time studying Japanese for which my kanji would be pronounced "Kin." I decided to take ownership of my unique identity and KinKin Illustration & Design was born!

I was always drawing since childhood and found it as a place of solace and safety. As I grew up, I was advised not to pursue illustration and to choose a career path that was more “practical.” Not willing to give up my creative work, I proceeded to pursue a degree in industrial design for three years in an attempt to blend together a future career in creative arts and engineering.Life took many turns during my time in design school and I decided to resign from my program. I went on to work in the nonprofit sector starting from 2016. While my current career path was, and still, remains fulfilling, I was left wondering what my life would be like if I had continued my creative endeavors.

In 2023, I reconnected with some dear artist friends from high school and college and found that I was unsatisfied with a future without practicing art. Although the road to pursuing my discipline in illustration and design outside of formal schooling will surely be difficult, I hope that you will find the journey with me to be meaningful and encouraging to your own experience.

Connect with Me!

Follow my work on Instagram, Threads, and Cara App.
Make sure to leave a comment so I can connect with you!

Contact me with business inquiries and questions at:

kinkin.illustration.designMEOWWWWWW@gmail.com