Young illustrator sketching out her future in US market

For her, drawing, whether it's a sketch or a computer graphic, is a way of expressing her feelings and her understanding of a story or a character.

In high school, she worked with the Kadokawa Group, a Japanese media conglomerate, and learned which skills she needed to improve. She discovered that client communication and time management were essential.

"As a concept artist, I help to create the visual design of a character. Therefore animators have an idea to make the character come to live in the game," she said.

"When I receive a project, I will make sure it is a match for my style. That sometimes helps reduce communication barriers with the client."

A drawing takes from four hours to a week to finish, including the time spent waiting for feedback.

Proficient in both English and Japanese, Kan has worked with different companies from China, Singapore and Japan.

She has won a number of art accolades, including the AI-AP American Illustration 39, Infected by Art and 3x3 Illustration competitions. Some of her work has been displayed at the Disney Gallery, the Q Pop Shop in Los Angeles and The Artist Lodge, a pop-up store that runs regular events in the United States.

"I have closely followed the AI-AP American Illustration 39, which shows many great drawings, designs, animations and photography. Winning an award from them made me feel that I have the ability to do better in the future," she said.

Though still sometimes frustrated by the reality that in the US, supermarkets, stores and some restaurants close as early as 9 pm, Kan is used to working and living abroad.

"I appreciate struggle. To work hard for your dream is what my generation values," she said.

Kan's plan for the near future is to work harder, accumulate experience and open her own studio.

Hu Meidong in Fuzhou contributed to this story.