During my first photography class at FIU I was introduced to the inspiring creature, Tiffany Jen. Her innate style was what first caught my eye, but as the class continued her photography solidified my awe in her. There was something mystical about her work that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I later on discovered her tumblr where she wrote poetry about her photography on love, magic, pain, heartbreak, and everything in-between. To say the least she has been a huge inspiration to me and I was honored when she agreed to do an interview for Elegant Idiosyncrasy. So to get on to the point I give you an interview with Tiffany Jen...

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, but came from a full Chinese background.

What schools did you attend, and what were your majors?

I started out at the University of Florida for Business Administration; two years in I realized that it wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life so I transferred out and into Miami’s Florida International University to study Fine Arts and Art History.

What is your current job?

Currently I work for Opening Ceremony as a Graphic Designer and Sales Associate.

What are you most inspired by?
I am constantly inspired by my surroundings, music, dreams, nostalgia, and children’s imaginations.

Who do you look up to?

People who actually understand themselves fully and the work they create, not people who create to please others.

How did you become interested in the art world?

Happened naturally. We’re always surrounded by it, how can one not be interested?

I noticed that you have many different medium choices, working with graphic design, photography, mixed media, painting, poetry, etc, do you have a particular favorite?

I work with a lot of mediums and types of art because I appreciate all forms. Right now I’m going to grad school for graphic design—it’s what I’ve always been most interested in because it’s constantly changing. Graphic design before technology has so much history and skill to it, which fascinates me. Back in undergrad I absolutely loved painting, but I found myself becoming antisocial and sitting in my room all night just painting and never really being satisfied with my work. I couldn’t do that anymore. I still play around with photography. That will always be an ongoing hobby, and they go hand in hand with my graphic design.

If you had to describe yourself in one word what would it be?

Starry-eyed

If you were stranded on an island and could only bring 3 things what would they be?

The three things I ALWAYS carry with me everywhere…ipad, ipod, iphone. (haha!)

Photography of Tiffany Jen by Tiffany Jen

Mixed media painting

Digital media illustration of the pink imaginary friend (far left) Miss Cheezious

An architecture installation based on visual and spatial qualities of colored, patterned, and textured space

Tiffany Jen in the NY Botanical Gardens. All work copyrighted by Tiffany Jen