We had the good fortune of connecting with Huixi Wu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Huixi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My passion for art and creativity stems from my mother, who is a Chinese ink painter. Growing up in an artistic environment, I developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of art. This influence has led me to pursue an art career, allowing me to express myself through painting and other creative mediums. I find joy in capturing life’s small but meaningful moments and immortalizing them through my art. Whether painting with a brush or sculpting with clay, I feel that each creation reflects my energy and emotions. Art is a universal language that connects people from different backgrounds and cultures, and through my work, I hope to provide a new perspective on life and inspire others to find joy in the beauty of art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As I grew up in an artistic environment, I have developed a heightened sensitivity and perception to color and line. This sensitivity is reflected in my illustrations as I like to use different widths and rich lines to highlight the theme. When it comes to color, I specialize in using high saturation and contrasting colors to enrich the picture and convey emotions and themes through color theory.

In college, I majored in graphic design, where I learned the techniques of composition and layout. This allowed me to better organize and arrange the elements of the picture, enhancing visual impact and narrative. As I prefer to tell stories through images, I switched to the illustration major in graduate school. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

I enjoy painting based on my own experiences and feelings. For example, my original children’s book “Why Do We Have Nightmares?” is adapted from my childhood fear of nightmares. The book aims to encourage children to accept nightmares, understand their causes, and bravely face challenges. My unique narrative style based on color expression sets my work apart from others. I am not confined to traditional forms of picture representation but love to experiment with multimedia, such as the “Shan Hai Jing” stone modeling clay. I incorporated characters from the Chinese traditional mythology “Shan Hai Jing” into modern Western art design. I also creating a pop-up book “What Do I Choose?” telling the story of how I accepted my childhood choices. These clay and paper art multimedia elements support my innovation. I constantly seek new creative ways of expression. This experimental and diverse approach is an important quality for me as an illustrator and the driving force behind my creativity.

In my online store PopUniverse Studio, I create an amazing animal world. I use images of animals with sparkling eyes to bring a colorful pop world to the viewer through stickers, dragon year greeting cards, sticky notes and stone clay. I am committed to immersing consumers in the wonderful universe I have created with brilliant colors and appealing designs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am currently a graduate student pursuing a degree in MA illustration at Maryland Institute College of Art. The rich history of Baltimore and the presence of the Modern Art College have provided me with a unique learning experience. While strolling through Baltimore’s streets, one can’t help but admire the beautiful blend of old architecture and modern fashion design. This visual delight is a testament to the city’s deep cultural heritage and innovative spirit.

The Inner Harbor in Baltimore is one of my favorite spots. It offers a stunning view of the waterfront that is simply breathtaking. The gentle breeze blowing across the harbor, seagulls soaring in the sky, and people joyfully feeding them, all contribute to an atmosphere that is both laid-back and cozy. As night falls, the harbor lights reflecting on the water create a serene and enchanting scene.

If you’re looking for something to do, the National Aquarium, located near the Inner Harbor, is also worth a visit. The sheer diversity of marine life on display here is awe-inspiring and offers a glimpse into the beauty and wonder of the underwater world. From coral reefs to large marine creatures, the entire experience is both educational and exciting. The Inner Harbor is a perfect reflection of Baltimore’s diversity and inclusivity, and I find myself drawn to exploring more of the city because of it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
On my journey as an artist, everyone around me has given me encouragement and support, including my family, teachers, and friends. Their affirmation and guidance have shaped me into who I am today. I am especially grateful to my mother for introducing me to the world of art and helping me develop my aesthetic and worldview. The care and companionship of my family during childhood provided me with a solid foundation, which is why my works often use bright colors and warm scenes to spread joy.The world of Disney animation has been an integral part of my childhood, with its spellbinding stories and lively characters that have sparked my imagination since I was young. The magic of Disney animation has fueled my enthusiasm to craft my own enchanting universe and characters.

Additionally, the picture book “The Sound of Colors” by Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy Liao is also an important source of inspiration for me. His works are full of simple but profound emotions, as well as unique humor and warmth. Through his illustrations and words, I learned how to express complex emotions with colors. Liao’s works not only resonated deeply with me, but also inspired my creativity and showed me the power and charm of art.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the professors at the Maryland Institute College of Art: Rebecca Bradley, Shadra Strickland, and Danamarie Hosler. They guided me on my journey into the field of illustration, provided artistic guidance, and valuable advice from a business perspective. Like lighthouses, they illuminated my path and guided me forward. I am truly grateful for everything I have.

Website: huixiwu.com

Instagram: ddyuaner

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/huixi-wu-32aaa92b1

Youtube: https://youtu.be/4UTlwPQpAn4?feature=shared

Other: email: wu_huixi@hotmail.com online store:https://popuniversestudio.com/

Image Credits
Huixi Wu

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