We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ming Cheng a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ming, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I’ve always believed that creativity isn’t a sudden spark out of nowhere—it’s built through consistent practice and observation. In daily life, I seek out new stimuli by capturing anything that resonates with me: a passing thought, an interesting design, a beautiful landscape. I organize these into a personal archive of inspiration. Equally important is conversation. Hearing others’ perspectives often sparks ideas I wouldn’t have arrived at alone.
In my practice, I often set creative constraints—like limiting myself to a specific color palette or drawing within a short time frame. These challenges push me to think unconventionally and step outside my comfort zone.
To me, creativity is a process of energy transformation: everything I absorb becomes part of my inner landscape, and when I create, it’s all reshaped into lines, colors, and composition—my visual language.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an illustrator from China, currently based in New York. My work spans packaging design, pattern creation, and personal illustration.
I’m fascinated by the intersection of geometry, fantasy, and the natural world. Through my work, I explore the balance between structured design and fluid imagination, transforming familiar landscapes into abstract dreamscapes. I aim to build visual worlds that feel both structured and organic, mathematical yet full of life. I also love working with bold, vibrant colors to create visually complex compositions—inviting viewers to feel excited, joyful, and curious as they explore every corner of the image.
One of my recent projects is titled Fragments of the World, a series of seven illustrations that each represent a chapter in an ongoing journey. The series explores imagined events unfolding in different corners of a fantastical world. For example, in Secrets of the Forest, I examine the duality of nature by depicting both the familiar and the undiscovered—reflecting my belief that even in places we think we know, countless mysteries remain hidden.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most important skills I believe are essential for anyone working in the arts are self-motivation, developing a personal style, and cultivating cross-disciplinary interests.
Especially in creative fields, where there’s no clear roadmap, having the drive to set your own goals and keep creating is crucial—particularly in the early stages.
Developing a personal style comes next. I believe everyone has something unique and irreplaceable to express. But finding your voice doesn’t happen overnight—it takes ongoing practice to discover the compositions, colors, and concepts that truly reflect who you are.
Lastly, cultivating interests beyond your field helps deepen your work. I believe that to create rich and meaningful art, you first have to be a curious person—open to exploring the world in all its complexity.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I think it’s important to strive for balance. Focusing on what you’re good at builds identity and confidence, but addressing your weak spots can lead to more sustainable growth and open up new opportunities.
For example, I think communication and presentation are essential skills for any creator. A strong presentation helps the audience connect more deeply with the work. This is something I’ve always found challenging, but I’ve been gradually pushing myself to improve—whether through writing, speaking, or simply learning to share more of my process. It’s not easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.
Just like expanding my interests, working on my weaknesses has also allowed me to take on a wider range of projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mingchengart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mingcmmm?igsh=MWZhM3c4dWFidjJpNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
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