Empowered Woman Wednesday: Illustrator Ann Shen on Turning Your Passion Into a Career–and Learning From Inspiring Women in History

Chances are you’ve seen Ann Shen’s artwork somewhere. The Insta-famous illustrator is known for her incredible depictions of inspirational women, both real and mythical, and uses her talents to share messages of empowerment. She’s written and illustrated several books about inspiring women in history, including Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World and Legendary Ladies: 50 Goddesses to Empower and Inspire You, and even caught the attention of the magic-makers at Disney! What’s more: A production company recently announced plans to develop an anthology series based on her book.

Needless to say, Shen is an empowerment icon in her own right. We caught up with this badass babe to chat about pursuing your passion, celebrating and supporting your peers, and what we can learn from remarkable women in history.

Lulus: So how did you get started in illustration?

Ann Shen: I started taking some extension classes at a local art college because I’ve always loved art but had chosen to go to college and study something more practical. The classes ignited my passion, I decided to go to art school for a degree in Illustration, and I haven’t looked back since.

Lulus: Good for you! You wrote and illustrated a book about ‘bad girls’ throughout history that is going to be made into a TV series (!)–what inspired this book? How did you curate the list of inspirational women?

AS: I set two criteria that supported the thesis of my book: 1) Who was the first to do something in that field and 2) How does this support representing a broad range of women and what it can mean to be a woman? That helped me narrow it down to 100, since pages and ink are finite, while the billions of (inspirational) women who have been courageous and bad for the good of all of us is infinite.

Lulus: Why follow up that book with one about goddesses? 

AS: I was interested in exploring the origin story of what being a woman in our world meant, and goddesses reflect that through so many cultures and centuries.

Lulus: What makes a woman a “bad girl” or “remarkable woman” in your opinion?

AS: (“Bad girls” are) women who aren’t afraid to buck against convention to do what is right or pursue their heart’s calling.

Lulus: Do you have a favorite remarkable woman of all time? 

AS: I have so many favorite remarkable women, women who have truly incredible strength and courage beyond measure: Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Women I’m currently admiring who are modern empowerment icons include Lizzo, Malala Yousafzai, and Greta Thunberg.

Lulus: Your work is very much about women’s empowerment. What are some ways women can empower each other?

AS: By shining light on each other. Each voice can help amplify another–especially with the internet and social media making it so easy and free to share the work you love of others.

Lulus:  You’ve mentioned “quitting (your) day job to take a chance on (yourself).” What drove this decision and how did you make it happen?  

AS: There’s a quote from Anais Nin that says it best: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” I was always working in-house and building my freelance career outside, and it got to a point where both were more than full-time jobs and I had to pick whether I wanted to let someone else always dictate my future or if I wanted to take control of it myself. So I did it.

Lulus: Love that! You’re currently involved in the Disney Wonderground Gallery–can you tell us more about that?

AS:  It’s a wonderful gallery Disney owns in Downtown Disney (both in Anaheim and Orlando) that brings in fresh new artists interpreting their wide catalog of characters in a unique way. It’s so fun and one of the highlights of my career.

Lulus: Amazing! Do you have a favorite Disney princess and/or character?

AS: My favorite Disney princess is Ariel because the moment I saw The Little Mermaid when I was 7, my life was transformed. I loved her independent spirit and passion for pursuing what she loved, and her grand sense of adventure. My favorite Disney character is Tinkerbell though, because she’s sassy and magical in a petite package.

Lulus: You’ve also done some amazing home decor projects like a Halloween tree (yes, please). Do you have any plans to branch out more from illustration?

AS: I would love to. I have so many creative ideas, and I love working in all sorts of different mediums to explore that. I think it’s so important to explore your curiosity as an artist, and who knows where that will lead in the future!

Lulus: Speaking of, do you have any recommendations for aspiring artists who want to make it a career?

AS: What I always tell everyone is to make good work and be good to work with. Develop a really strong work ethic. Do the things you love even if no one is watching because one day, people will be. Always have integrity and be kind when you can.

Lulus: Amen. We love that. Is there anything you would tell your younger self if you could?

AS:  Trust yourself.

Lulus: Bonus question! If you could pick 5 pieces to wear this holiday season from Lulus, what would they be? 

AS:  My style is very 1950s/’60s vintage-inspired with some glam. I basically like to dress like a fancy French child, so these are some of my current favorites from Lulus below!

(Images via Ann Shen)

Know an empowered woman who deserves a feature? Nominate your favorite inspiring woman in the comments!