Meet Weiling Pan | Illustrator & Graphic Designer

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

Hi Weiling, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
In my life, I’ve let go of many things—not out of failure, but because I recognized they were beyond my ability at the time. When something feels completely out of my control, I believe it’s okay not to keep forcing it. I don’t see it as giving up entirely—I see it as putting it aside to make space for growth elsewhere.

Rather than staying stuck in a frustrating loop, I allow myself to move on and try other things. By doing so, I continue learning, gaining new skills and experiences that often help me return to the challenge later—stronger and more prepared.

I believe life is about movement and learning. Just because something is hard now doesn’t mean it always will be. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back, trust your timing, and come back when you’re ready. For me, that’s not giving up—it’s growing.

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.
For me, life is like a collage—made up of layered memories, emotions, and experiences. That same idea defines my art and my career. Each piece I create reflects not just an image, but a world, a story, and a part of myself.

I’m a Gen Z artist who grew up in the age of the internet, where creativity is everywhere. That access to inspiration is a gift, but it also came with challenges. For a long time, I struggled with comparing myself to other artists online. I often questioned whether my work was original or valuable enough. But over time, I’ve learned that art isn’t only about being different—it’s about being honest. No one else has lived my life, and that truth gives my work meaning and individuality.

One of the proudest moments in my career so far has been the development of my BFA project, where I created a robot character as a reflection of my personal journey. Like me, the robot navigates unfamiliar spaces, faces challenges, and learns to exist in its own way. It became a metaphor for growing up, discovering identity, and learning to be okay with uncertainty. It marked a turning point where I stopped trying to prove my originality and started owning my story.

That story began when I immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 10. I spent the first three years in deep isolation—unable to speak the language, make friends, or express myself. During that time, I created an inner world through art. The characters I drew were my voice when I had none. That early experience taught me that art can be a lifeline—an emotional language when words fail.

Now, my work continues to reflect that spirit. I create collage-inspired pieces that explore identity, growth, and human connection. I build small, layered worlds that viewers can enter—works that invite curiosity, imagination, and emotion. My creative process often involves combining traditional materials with digital influence, taking inspiration from internet culture and transforming it into something tactile and personal.

Getting to where I am now has not been easy, but every setback taught me something essential: growth isn’t linear, and success isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about continuing to explore, reflect, and create.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my work, it’s that I create from a place of authenticity. I want my art to feel like a space people can enter and see a bit of themselves in—a space that honors the complexity of emotion, identity, and change. My journey, like my art, is always evolving—and I’m proud to keep building it, one layer at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d plan a cozy and thoughtful itinerary that’s all about comfort, creativity, and connection—my favorite things in life.

Day 1: Home Sweet Home
We’d start at the place I love most—my home. I’d introduce them to my room and creative workspace, where so many of my ideas come to life. We’d have a slow, relaxing afternoon tea, surrounded by my artwork and little things I’ve collected over time. We’d chat about life, play some board games or video games, and let the day unfold naturally. And the best part? My mom’s cooking. Her meals are beyond delicious—truly comfort food at its finest.

Day 2: Bubble Tea + Boutique Walk
We’d kick off the day with a stop at my favorite bubble tea shop to grab our favorite drinks. Then, we’d go for a long walk and explore cute boutiques and cool little shops. I love finding interesting items, whether they’re quirky accessories, cozy stationery, or something unexpected. It’s less about buying and more about discovering.

Day 3: Museum Day
We’d spend a day getting inspired at local museums. I love how calm and thought-provoking those spaces are. Whether it’s contemporary art or historical artifacts, there’s something magical about quietly wandering through creative and educational spaces together.

Day 4: Bookstore + Art Supply Heaven
A perfect quiet day would involve visiting my favorite local bookstore and art supply shop. We’d get lost among the shelves, flipping through books, sketchbooks, and finding little treasures. It feels like being in a quiet corner of the world—peaceful and creatively recharging.

Day 5: Food Tour
We’d do a mini food tour, trying out some of my favorite local restaurants. From cozy noodle shops to hidden gems with amazing desserts, I’d take them to the spots that bring me joy. It’s all about the flavors, atmosphere, and sharing bites between laughter.

Day 6: Live Show Magic
If there’s a musical or live show in town, we’re definitely going. There’s something breathtaking about experiencing a performance in person—the lights, the energy, the feeling of being swept away into a story. It’s one of the most inspiring things to do.

Day 7: Slow Wind-Down
For the final day, we’d keep it calm—maybe some journaling or sketching together at home, sharing our thoughts and memories from the week. Maybe even another round of video games or cozy movie night.

To me, the best time isn’t about rushing from place to place, but finding joy in the quiet, the thoughtful, and the meaningful. That’s the kind of week I’d want to share with someone I love.

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’d love to dedicate my shoutout to the people who have supported me throughout my journey—my family, friends, and teachers. My parents encouraged my creativity from a young age, even if they didn’t always fully understand the path I was taking. Their quiet support gave me the freedom to explore who I am as an artist. My teachers played a huge role as well—they challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, experiment with new techniques, and see the world through different perspectives. And I’m especially grateful for my friends, who have always inspired and uplifted me with their encouragement and belief in my work.

Beyond these relationships, I also find inspiration in everyday life, internet culture, and the idea of creating tangible, immersive worlds that speak to people both visually and emotionally. But without the people in my life, I wouldn’t have had the confidence or courage to keep building those worlds. So this shoutout is for them—for believing in me, even when I doubted myself.

Website: https://mrwpan.wixsite.com/artlife

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weiling-pan-illustrator