Meet Chalzea Xu | Illustrator/Artist

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

Hi Chalzea, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
For me, the most important values are empathy and equality, especially when it comes to giving a voice to marginalized groups. I’ve always believed that art is not just a way to express oneself, but also a means of making the overlooked voices heard. I support the idea of “maximizing happiness” because I see every illustration as an opportunity to bring warmth to others, particularly to women, LGBTQ+ communities, and any other marginalized groups. I want my work to be like a small window, letting in a ray of light to illuminate hidden corners. Whether through color, detail, or the expression in a character’s eyes, I want viewers to find an emotional connection or a moment of comfort. To me, happiness isn’t always grand or dramatic—it’s often a subtle and real touch, like stroking a dog’s soft belly.

When I create, I always strive to be sincere and dedicated, not just in technical refinement but in respecting each story. I believe empathy is the first step to breaking down barriers, and only by truly understanding others’ experiences can I create work with warmth. My illustrations may be just a small part, but I believe that even if they bring only a little happiness, these small rays of light will eventually come together to create real change.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art reflects my emotions, experiences, and the world around me, brought to life through vibrant colors, delicate details, and soft, dreamlike atmospheres. I love capturing human moments, whether quiet, intimate, or full of energy. What sets me apart is the emotional depth I infuse into my work. It’s not just about visuals—it’s about telling stories that resonate with people on a deeper level. I want my art to invite others into a world of feeling—whether joy, nostalgia, or reflection—while still being rooted in my own personal experiences.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in finding my voice as an artist. This journey hasn’t been easy. There were many challenges, especially in finding my place in such a competitive industry. I faced doubts, both from others and myself. As I’ve said, coming from a small city in East Asia, everything has been a challenge. But I’ve learned that resilience and dedication are key. I kept pushing forward, staying true to my style, even when it felt like the world didn’t understand or appreciate it. I also sought guidance from those who inspire me, learning from their paths and incorporating their wisdom into my own work.

Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of patience and persistence. Growth isn’t instant, but with every project, I’m getting closer to the artist I want to be. The most valuable lesson has been to trust my process and know that every challenge is just another step toward something better.

What I want the world to know is that my art is a deeply personal journey. It reflects not only my technical skills but also my values, passions, and vision. I hope my work brings comfort, beauty, and thoughtfulness into the world, and ultimately shares my story of resilience, love, and belief in the power of art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they had the best time possible, with a mix of nature, food, and culture. Since most of my friends are dog people, we’d definitely spend time hiking together with my dog (or our dogs) in tow. We’d start by taking them to Prospect Park, where they could run free on the big lawns and even take a swim in the lake. New York is one of the most dog-friendly places in the world, which is why I love it so much. It’s the perfect way to enjoy some fresh air and let the dogs burn off some energy.

For a sweet treat, we’d head to Veniero’s Pasticceria & Caffe in the East Village. It’s this century-old Italian dessert shop that my friend recommended to me, and the pastries there are absolutely heavenly—definitely worth the stop.

When it comes to food, East Village is a goldmine. We’d check out a bunch of different spots—whether it’s for a cozy dinner or just grabbing snacks from quirky places. There’s something for every craving there, from great sushi to unique cafes.

Of course, no visit would be complete without catching a Broadway show. I’d recommend “Happy Ending” right now—it’s honestly one of the best musicals I’ve seen in a while. But honestly, any classic Broadway show would be amazing, so I’d make sure we caught at least one.

That’s the perfect balance of relaxing, indulging in delicious food, and soaking in some culture—just a little taste of what New York has to offer!

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?
I must say, my mom. She is the person I love the most in this world. After I was born, my father and his family looked down on me because I was a girl (yes, they were extremely patriarchal), so when I was two years old, my mom decisively divorced my father and gained custody of me. In a small city in East Asia, everything was complex and hard to explain, and during my upbringing, we had many arguments, but we’ve worked through it all now. She is a strong, progressive, gentle, and kind woman with her own career. She is no one’s accessory and doesn’t need to rely on anyone.

She worked hard to send me to the best art school in New York simply because I told her I wanted to come here to chase my dreams. Without hesitation, she supported almost everything I did, and I graduated with honors. Every time we talk, I feel happy. We almost call each other every day.

When I was young, she wasn’t like this. We both had emotional issues, some more severe than others, but we never gave up on understanding each other. We actively worked on solving our emotional problems, and treated depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Now, she feels like my best friend. She’s proud of everything she’s done for me and always praises me, telling me she will always be my strongest support. Even though I don’t have a father, and even though life has its many little troubles, I feel like I can live well because of her. She made me realize that there is someone in this world who loves me so, so much.

To many of my friends, this might sound unbelievable, but we really do say “I love you” to each other every day.

Website: https://chalzea.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalzea_art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chalzea-xu/