ARTISTS TO KNOW: JENNY CHANG-RODRIGUEZ
BY TIARA STARKS
SHEER: Tell us about yourself.
JENNY CHANG-RODRIGUEZ: My name is Jenny Chang-Rodriguez. I'm an illustrator and designer, and am currently working full time at NBC News for TODAY.com as an art director. I was born in Seoul, South Korea and my family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada in the 90's. Being a first generation immigrant impacted me a lot and shaped who I am. I ended up coming to New York City for my BFA at the end of 2009 and haven't left since!
SHEER: What inspired you to pursue a career as an illustrator and designer?
JCR: Growing up, I think I always knew that I wouldn't choose a 'traditional' career. I remember never being fully present in school. Nothing really excited me and I would end up spending most of my time doodling in class. When I found out that 'doodling' has the potential to eventually turn into a career, It was a no-brainer. I was also very fortunate enough to have my parents’ support and they were the ones to really give me that final push into the creative field.
Design created by Jenny Chang-Rodriguez for Nom Wah Tea Parlour
SHEER: How does your culture and upbringing influence your work?
JCR: My culture didn't really play a huge role in my work at all in the past. I think it was a combination of feeling not Korean enough and afraid that I was too Americanized to represent that side of me. It scared me to be honest to share that aspect of my life into my work until very recently. It's changed mostly because for the first time, I feel more comfortable in both my skin and who I am. Especially now in light of everything that's been going on with the AAPI attacks, I feel I need to use my voice and platform to really prioritize and create work that showcases my culture and background as it is something to be very proud of.
Art direction by Jenny Chang-Rodriguez for Mindbodygreen on how to read oracle cards.
SHEER: I see that your work also features visual symbolism in astrology, do you find that your connection to astrology informs most of your art?
JCR: I am such nerd for astrology! It does inform my artwork as it definitely plays such a big part of my life. In general, I feel that I'm a spiritual person so it also affects my work in that sense as well. I would love to create even more work around it.
SHEER: What has been your journey to where you are working right now?
JCR: In terms of my professional journey, I started as a design major at the School of Visual arts but quickly made the jump to be an illustration major. I first got my real footing in the industry sophomore year of college. I was able to get a design internship at The New Yorker and made a lot of connections there. From there, I moved around and interned as much as possible all throughout college. I was mainly in publishing since I thought I was going to design magazines. I interned at Scholastic, Food Network Magazine, Maxim Magazine, and Brooklyn Magazine. After interning, that really helped me figure out and narrow down which aspects I liked and didn't like. Right out of college, My first job was as an Art Assistant at Time Inc. for Real Simple Magazine. From there, I made the jump to digital media and stayed at BuzzFeed for 4 years where I worked my way to an Associate Art Director. I really enjoyed working in Digital Media and since then have worked at Apartment Therapy, Mindbodygreen, and am now under NBC News.
Stickers created by Jenny Chang-Rodriguez for Asian American Girl Club
SHEER: Are there any specific pieces of work that you're most proud of?
JCR: My favorite pieces are works where I can partner with clients that share a similar mission. These projects I am most excited for because it adds another layer of having personal meaning to me. Last year I got to make prints and merch for TIME'S UP which I am so grateful for. Another project was making t-shirts for Planned Parenthood's spring Gala in NYC. This partnership also meant a lot as Planned Parenthood played such a big part of my life a majority through college when I didn't have health insurance so it felt very full circle. One other project I am really proud of was teaming up with Asian American Girl Club and making stickers tied to the experience of being an AAPI woman. One of the stickers was around the saying 'I'm from here' which is the all too familiar frustrating response many of us are used to as an Asian-American living in America when asked where we're REALLY from.
Illustration by Jenny Chang-Rodriguez created for Kitchn
“I feel I need to use my voice and platform to really prioritize and create work that showcases my culture and background as it is something to be very proud of.”
SHEER: Do you have any upcoming passion projects that you'd like to share?
JCR: I would like to explore more live drawing and documentation illustrations. I'm hoping to potentially make my first zine this summer but details are TBD! Another project that I just wrapped up and am super excited about is for Chefs Stopping AAPI hate. Chefs Stopping AAPI hate is a collective of AAPI and ally chefs raising awareness and funds to stop AAPI hate through takeout experiences. I got to create all the visuals which include posters and takeout tote bags. Meals are still available if you are based in NYC, SF, and Detroit. Check them out :)
SHEER: What do you hope people take away from viewing your art?
JCR: I want my artwork to be approachable and have the ability to build connections and evoke understanding of my background and experiences.
Illustration by Jenny Chang-Rodriguez created for Society6.
Illustration by Jenny Chang-Rodriguez created for Society 6.
SHEER: Do you have any advice for creatives of color who want to work in the media industry?
JCR: It can be a tough industry but be resilient, and stay true to yourself. This is very cliché but never change or compromise who you are for anyone! I wish one thing I would have learned earlier is that once you start making work that feels true to yourself and stop making work you think someone else would like, those clients and people who appreciate your outlook and vision will always find their way to you.
In Full Bloom T-shirt design by Jenny Chang-Rodriguez created for Planned Parenthood’s #SpringintoAction Gala in NYC
