EMI TAN
Emi Tan is a freelance illustrator based in Portland, Oregon, who specializes in animal and wildlife illustrations.
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CREATIVE STATEMENT
Hi, I'm Emi! I'm a Portland-based illustrator specializing in the inner lives of animals: their projects, their homes, and their vibrant personalities. My work is heavily inspired by storybooks, drawing from childhood afternoons spent lost in Charlotte's Web and The Wind in the Willows. Living in a society that pays little heed to the voiceless, I'm fascinated by what animals have to say if only we stop to listen. For me, the two most important qualities of a successful animal illustration are voice and emotional resonance. I approach each animal I draw like a unique character, even if it's inhabiting a standalone illustration. My goal is for my audience to look at these characters and see part of themselves in them.
RECENT CLIENTS
- ACLU of Oregon
- Love Someone With books
- Fang! Pet and Garden Supply
Q&A
What animal do you most relate to?
Geese are my kindred spirits! They are silly but wise, they look out for one another, and they stand up for themselves.
What animal is the most fun to draw?
I love drawing all animals, but I find myself most frequently doodling birds, dogs, cats, and rodent-like creatures.
Which do you prefer: cats or dogs?
It's too hard to choose! That being said, I have two cats and I'm obsessed with them, so...
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