We’re looking forward to introducing you to Morain An. Check out our conversation below.
Morain, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For me, energy is the most important. I’ve come to see that having good energy and a healthy body is really the foundation for everything else, whether it’s thinking clearly, creating, or simply getting things done. Lately I’ve been making more of an effort to get enough sleep and keep up with exercise, and I can feel how much it improves my focus and creativity. Intelligence and integrity matter a lot, but without the energy to carry them through, they don’t have the same impact.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Morain An, and I’m an illustrator and creative based in New York. A lot of my work starts with small details from everyday life, but it goes beyond that, I draw inspiration from imagination, films and TV, and the people I meet and everything that happens in my life. All of these things come together in my art, turning ordinary moments into something more vibrant and reflective.
Outside of illustration, I also experiment with film photography, design, and other creative forms. What matters most to me is having a standard for beauty and finding connections across different mediums. I believe that once you cultivate a sense of what feels beautiful and true, it can guide you to create work that crosses boundaries and speaks to people on a every level.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I don’t think it was just one single moment that shaped how I see the world. For me, it’s more about the process of finishing something, then letting time pass and looking back. That’s often when I realize the hidden lessons or the problems I didn’t notice at first. Those moments of reflection have been really important in shaping how I think.
The world is constantly changing, and I’ve come to believe that we need to change along with it. It’s not about holding on too tightly to one way of doing things, but about moving forward, adapting, and finding new ways to connect with the world around us. That mindset has helped me stay open, curious, and willing to explore new directions in both life and my work.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to love herself more. It sounds simple, but it’s something that takes time to really understand and I am still learning. So much of life can feel like it’s about meeting expectations or proving yourself, but the most important thing is to be kind to yourself along the way.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth that feels very foundational to me is that everything takes time. Growth, creativity, and relationships can’t be rushed, the best things usually happen when you let them unfold at their own pace. I try to take things step by step, stay present, and enjoy the process. But that doesn’t mean letting everything develop on its own. Effort and a sense of direction are just as important, you have to take action and be intentional, while still trusting that time will do its part.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel lucky that my family has always been supportive of me and my choices. I don’t feel like I was pushed into doing something I didn’t want to do. Instead, I’ve had the freedom to follow what feels natural to me, working in art and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://morain-ann.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morain.ann/
