We recently had the chance to connect with Fangfang Han and have shared our conversation below.
Fangfang, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I start my day by making a simple breakfast, eggs, bread, a banana, and a sprinkle of black sesame. Then I let my parrot, Doudou, out of the cage so he can join me for breakfast (he’s always eyeing my food. Can’t help it!). A few times a week, I hit the gym to stay active and balance out all those hours spent working at my desk.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an illustrator who creates illustrations and GIFs for publishing, magazines, apps, children’s content, wall murals, and advertising. My work often combines storytelling with a playful sense of color and emotion. I love turning everyday moments and small joy into something imaginative and positive.
Before diving into illustration, I worked in fashion, helping clients from different markets find creative style solutions. That background still influences my work today. I think visually in textures, patterns, and moods. Right now, I’m focused on projects that connect illustration with daily life, from digital storytelling to large-scale murals.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a kid, I dreamed of being a teacher, a scientist, or an artist. But as life unfolded, I realized it wasn’t about the “titles” others admired. It was my curiosity about the world and my love for drawing that quietly guided me toward studying education and shaping my career. Turns out, following what truly excites you is way more rewarding than chasing someone else’s idea of success. After all, life’s lessons are best learned by doing, not just listening to others advice!
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
I’d spend a little time alone, observe the people around me, or find a small, simple task to do, or just hang out somewhere that made me feel a bit better. Watching others, I realized that most problems aren’t as big as they seem. Everyone goes through their own dark moments. Instead of letting fear take over, it felt better to take a moment and think about solutions. Time has a funny way of healing almost everything.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say the public version of me is a genuine part of who I am, but it’s only one layer. It’s the side that shares my work, my ideas, and my stories with the world. Behind that, there’s a quieter, more introspective version: the one who experiments, makes mistakes, bad drawings, and explores without an audience.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d spend more time with my family, travel to new places, and create more artwork. Maybe even publish a book to capture the landscapes and little moments of life along the way.
Life feels short now. As a kid, I thought it would never end. there was always more homework, more books to read. As an adult, after getting tangled in endless work, chasing money, and striving for a “better” life, I realized the time left for myself and my loved ones is shockingly small.
That’s part of why I chose freelance illustration. It’s hard work, but it gives me the freedom to design my own schedule and actually spend it with the people I care about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fangfanghan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fangfang.hannn/
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