Meet Mandie Kuo | Illustrator

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

Hi Mandie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As far as I can remember, I have always been a child who could never put down her paintbrush. Doodling has always been my way of expressing my creativity and observations of the world. Although I knew I had a passion for art, I never considered pursuing it as a serious career when I was young. Gradually, I stopped drawing when academic pressures piled up.

The summer vacation before starting university completely changed my career path. Since it was the longest break I had ever had from school, I decided to do something that would make me truly happy, even if it wasn’t related to academics. I picked up the dusty paintbrushes that I had neglected for many years. When I started drawing freely again, that’s when the magic happened.

During my second year of university, even though I didn’t attend an art school, I made a life-changing decision to start taking my art seriously. The journey was challenging, but I was determined to improve my capabilities. I spent countless hours practicing to make up for my deficiency in basic skills, and I have never stopped creating ever since. Despite the obstacles I faced, I persevered and gradually taught myself to see the world in a new way through my art.

After endless hours of practice and gradual improvement, I began receiving commissions online from all over the world. This was the moment when I truly believed that it was possible to make a living from my art. If pursuing something that brings me fulfillment can also generate income, why wouldn’t I consider it as a potential career option? The academic path that I always thought I “should” choose is not my only option for a career after all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Whether I’m working on picture books, cross-brand collaborations, or my own art, animal characters feature prominently in most of my illustrations. I find them fascinating and pleasant to draw, and they bring a sense of warmth, charm and whimsy that can make even the simplest of drawings come to life. My artwork also often features inspiring quotes created using the art form of lettering. Back in high school, I frequently sought out uplifting quotes to give myself a boost and help me persevere during difficult times. Having benefited so much from this practice, I have made a commitment to continue spreading positivity through my art. Lettering is a fantastic way to do this, as it allows me to express myself in a unique and impactful way.

“Work hard and inspire others.” This is my motto and the goal of my career: to create art that is not only visually appealing, but also meaningful and impactful. I hope to connect with people on a deeper level and inspire them to see the beauty and positivity in the world around them.

In terms of my career, I find that I thrive when presented with new challenges. I am always eager to work with brands and companies that may be outside of my usual areas of expertise. When it comes to my art, I am always experimenting with different styles and approaches, pushing myself to try new things and approach my work from distinctive angles.

One of my favorite quotes is from Steve Jobs: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” I strongly believe in this statement, as I think that no matter how unrelated your current experiences may seem, every new experience is a bonus point in your life. Over time, it will all make sense and contribute to your growth.

Now, I am constantly experimenting with new techniques and styles, always pushing myself to improve and challenge my abilities through various types of collaborative works. Through my art, I have found a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I never thought were possible. I relish every aspect of my job, and I am excited to see where my creative journey takes me next.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Taipei is a city that can accommodate any kind of lifestyle you desire. In my opinion, a perfect day in Taipei would include some nature and art activities. Daan Forest Park, a lovely oasis in the midst of this bustling city, is the perfect place to visit in the morning if the weather is pleasant. We could enjoy a breakfast picnic while listening to the music of nature, and then take a walk in the park.

After enjoying some time with nature, I’d love to introduce one of my favorite artistic spots in Taipei—the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. The TFAM exhibition covers a wide range of modern and contemporary art, encompassing many different aspects. It is a great way to introduce foreign friends to the art scene in Taiwan!

One of the best times to visit the Danhai area in Taipei is during the golden hour, after finishing a visit to the Art Museum. If you enjoy the sound of ocean waves and the vastness of the beach, it is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset view. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Danshui Old Street, a quick ride on the Danhai light rail will lead you to a place filled with tranquillity.

To end the day, we could visit the Zhongshan Area, which is enriched with good food and interesting small shops. For dinner, I recommend the “Yonshin” restaurant, which takes Taiwanese food to a whole new level. They combine traditional street food into table dishes, making their food not only presentable but also incredibly delicious. After a satisfying dinner at Yonshin, we can explore the nearby shops in Zhongshan Area. The area is known for its unique boutiques and local shops that offer a variety of interesting finds. You can also discover some great souvenirs to take back home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my journey as an artist, I have been fortunate enough to have had the guidance and support of some truly remarkable people who have inspired and encouraged me to pursue my passion for art.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude towards my parents. My dad has always been a true believer in anything that I do. He never doubted me, and he believed that as long as I pursue my dreams and do what brings me joy, it can never be the wrong choice. This unwavering support has been a driving force behind my success and has given me the confidence to pursue my career in art.

On the other hand, my mom is a pragmatic person, and I have to admit that she had doubts when I was starting my career. However, after seeing my determination and progress, she gradually let go of her worries and showed her support in various ways. In fact, my mom is artistic herself, having won prizes in comic contests when she was young. I guess I have inherited my passion for art from her.

In addition to my parents, I am especially grateful to two teachers at Chengchi University, my alma mater in Taiwan: Pei Sung and Rita Liu.

Ms. Sung is a well-known children’s book translator in Taiwan. I was fortunate enough to attend the art history and children’s book lectures that she held in a Digital Content Undergraduate Program, where I was able to develop a deeper appreciation for art and gain new insights that have helped shape my creative journey. Ms. Sung has been an instrumental figure in my life, providing valuable feedback and suggestions even after I graduated.

My mentor in my advertising major, Ms. Liu, is an award-winning comic artist and designer. Her guidance and expertise in the creative field have been invaluable to me. Through her, I have had numerous commission and publishing opportunities that allowed me to learn and grow in my craft and opened up doors to many new possibilities.

I will always cherish their contributions to my life and my art.

Website: https://www.mandiekuo.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mandiekuo/

Other: mandiekuo@gmail.com