Meet Wenqing Gu | freelance illustrator

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

Hi Wenqing, what principle do you value most?
The value that resonates most with me is the belief that ‘Slow is faster than stuck.’ I firmly hold that success doesn’t come overnight, and there are no shortcuts to achieving it. On the path of creating art, there are many challenges that one must navigate and overcome. It’s also crucial to continually evolve and learn new skills.

I don’t equate speed with efficacy. It’s more important to keep moving forward, even if it’s at a slower pace. Stagnation, not slowness, is the real enemy. A day of success will come as long as we don’t stop. This principle encourages me to have confidence in myself and my journey, understanding that perseverance, not just pace, is the key to achieving long-term goals. It’s about steady progress and being resilient in the face of obstacles rather than rushing toward an ephemeral idea of success.

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.
In 2021, I made a bold decision that has been pivotal in shaping my journey as an artist: I left my job in accounting to fully immerse myself in the world of illustration, which I am deeply passionate about. What sets me apart in the realm of art is my style – it’s light-hearted and healing. My art expresses my love for life, and I aim to convey warmth and happiness to others through it.

Transitioning from accounting to illustration was not a straightforward path. It required not only a leap of faith but also a significant shift in my mindset and skills. I love the creativity involved in illustration and the sense of freedom I feel when I’m illustrating. This transition allowed me to embrace my true calling and to express myself in ways I never could in my previous career.

The journey hasn’t been easy. The challenges of establishing myself in a new field, building a portfolio, and finding my unique voice in a sea of talented artists were daunting. But these challenges also brought invaluable lessons. I learned the importance of perseverance, the value of authentic self-expression, and the power of following one’s passion.

What I’m most proud of is how my art resonates with people. There’s immense joy in knowing that my creations bring a sense of peace and happiness to those who see them. My art is not just a reflection of my journey; it’s a medium through which I connect with others on a deeper level.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I would take them on an unforgettable tour of New York City, a place that’s as diverse and vibrant as my art. New York is a melting pot of global cuisines, so we’d have a plethora of dining options to choose from. I’d definitely take them to Chinatown to savor some of our hometown delicacies, offering them a taste of familiar flavors amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

But it’s not just about the food. New York is renowned for its cultural institutions, so our itinerary would include visits to its famous museums like MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum of Art or some unique art galleries. I believe that art has the power to connect and inspire, and what better way to experience this than through the rich tapestry of New York’s art scene?

In essence, our week-long trip would be a blend of culinary delights, cultural exploration, and artistic immersion, making it an enriching and memorable experience in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to share my story and express my gratitude. In my journey as an illustrator, one individual has had a profound impact on me – the renowned Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy Liao. His unique artistic style and profound emotional expression have not only won widespread acclaim across Asia and the world but his philosophy and approach to life have also deeply inspired me.

His book, ‘The Reality and Dreams of Picture Books,’ has been particularly influential. This book doesn’t just showcase his growth as an artist; it also reveals the art and emotions behind creating picture books. To me, this book has been more than a guide; it’s been a lighthouse, guiding me to forge ahead on my creative path. His story taught me how to balance reality and dreams and how to transform personal experiences into art that touches hearts.

Beyond technical inspiration, Jimmy Liao’s work has also taught me the mindset of an artist. Facing difficulties and challenges with resilience and optimism, along with an endless passion for art, are valuable lessons I’ve learned from him.

Website: https://www.wenqinggu.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wenqing.guuu/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenqing-gu/