I grew up in a big family with seven members in one house. I am the oldest among my siblings and cousins. As the eldest sister, I feel responsible for helping my brother with his education and supporting my parents.
When I started primary school, my mother was busy with my brother, so she couldn’t help me with my homework. My father worked as an electrician in a company, but due to his urgent duties, he lived at his work site and was always away from home.
In order to realize my dreams and be a responsible family member, I had to decide on a career path and become a professional in that field. Since I was young, art has been my favorite activity. My passion for art began in childhood, thanks to my parents, who bought me books and comics that sparked my interest.
As I grew up, I discovered foreign comics, animated shows, and fashion magazines, which naturally led me to start drawing characters, landscapes, and fashion sketches. Art has remained my favorite leisure activity ever since. Through the YU Painting course, I participated in art exhibitions and volunteered in fundraising activities organized by Yangon University.
As an amateur artist, I had an opportunity to work in the creative industry in Myanmar and gained experience in digital marketing and visual communication. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, political challenges, and the economic crisis in Myanmar, digital marketing agencies and event management companies began struggling to survive.
After resigning due to a pay cut, I focused on creating my artwork and experimented with different forms of art while honing my technical skills. Utilizing social media, I tried to gain more recognition for my art, which led to more freelance opportunities for me as an artist.
About Khaing
- Age: 26
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Prague College
- Bachelor’s, Fine Arts & Experimental Media
- 3rd Year in Program
Goals & Dreams
- Become an animator
- Explore Japan
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $8,125
- Amount Left To Fund: $6,800
- Contract Duration: 14 years
- Status: In School
I am aware that art is a vast subject with endless possibilities, so I need to choose the kind of artist I want to be and the industry I want to be in. I know that I still need to sharpen my technical skills and cultivate creative inspiration to become a professional in the art industry.
When I reflect on my life, I see that I faced financial struggles. Although I am passionate about creating animated art, it is challenging to pursue animation given that I still have much to learn. Therefore, receiving formal education in art will help me develop as an artist and shape my career moving forward.
In Myanmar, opportunities for artists are scarce due to relatively weak art education. This is the main reason why I hope to study in Europe, as it provides the best opportunities and possibilities for an art career.
With a Fine Art Experimental Media degree from Prague College, I can become a better artist and pursue a career as an animator/VFX artist while supporting my family. Once I establish myself as an artist, I dream of returning to Myanmar and founding an organization that offers affordable art education to future Burmese artists.
Written by Khaing with editing assistance from Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Khaing
“Although I am passionate about creating animated art, it is challenging to pursue animation given that I still have much to learn. Therefore, receiving formal education in art will help me develop as an artist and shape my career moving forward.”
