Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Mandie Kuo of Taipei

We recently had the chance to connect with Mandie Kuo and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mandie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, photography has been bringing me a lot of joy, especially during my travels. I find so much inspiration in observing the world around me—whether it’s the way light falls on a quiet street, or the details of nature that often go unnoticed.
For me, photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about preserving a moment in time and the atmosphere that comes with it. Each photo becomes a little memory capsule, reminding me of how I felt and what I saw in that exact instant.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My creative journey weaves together a range of projects, from illustrating children’s picture books to collaborating with different brands—whether by bringing an illustrator’s perspective to advertisements or infusing products with playful designs.
Inspired by my love for animals, I often incorporate uplifting messages through lettering, adding a touch of encouragement to my work.
I’m passionate about challenging myself to grow as an artist, whether by experimenting with new styles or embracing collaborations that expand my perspective!

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that truly shaped how I see the world goes back to my childhood. I grew up in a home surrounded by books, and I often found myself lost in their pages, slipping into worlds of imagination. Instead of only escaping into those stories, I started to wonder what kind of worlds I could create myself.
The first time I picked up a pen to write down my own story and sketched out a picture from my imagination, it felt like opening a doorway into a new path. That simple act became the beginning of everything I do today. It taught me that creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about building worlds, sharing emotions, and offering others a glimpse of how I see life.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be to remind her that it’s okay to feel unsure or different, and that those feelings don’t define her worth. Growing up, I often felt less confident, constantly comparing myself to others and wishing I had the talents they did. But over time, I’ve come to understand that everyone’s strengths are unique, and the journey isn’t about being like anyone else—it’s about discovering what makes you shine.
Last year, I published a picture book called Little Mouse and the Magical Fruit, and in many ways, that story was written for my younger self. It’s a gentle reminder that feeling inadequate or behind doesn’t mean you can’t grow and succeed in your own way.
To my younger self: the world is not a competition—it’s a place to explore, experiment, and embrace what makes you uniquely YOU.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to firmly believe in the idea of “if you choose a path, you have to follow it to the end, no matter what.” Back then, I thought I had to reach a very specific, difficult goal I set for myself, or else I’d be a failure. But looking back, I realize that the goal I once idealized was really just a blind projection—I had made it seem perfect in my mind, even though it wasn’t necessarily right for me. Achieving it wouldn’t have made me as fulfilled as I thought.
I came across a quote a while ago that really resonated: “If you get on the wrong train, get off at the nearest station. The longer it takes you to get off, the more expensive the return trip will be.”
I used to think I needed to specialize in just one thing and that exploring multiple paths wasn’t important. Now I see that was a naive mindset. Life is a journey of experiences, and it’s valuable to try many things and give yourself the freedom to choose. If a goal you set turns out to be very different from what you imagined and doesn’t bring you joy, it’s completely fine to redirect toward something that fits you better.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
A few years ago, when Eric Carle, the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, passed away, I saw so many people sharing memories of growing up with his books—how those stories had shaped their childhoods and even influenced their lives. That moment left a deep impression on me. I realized that I want to be an author who creates meaningful stories, the kind that stay with people long after they read them.

I hope that someday, when people hear my name, they’ll remember a book I wrote that touched them at a certain stage of their life—so that my stories continue to live on in the world, through the memories and imaginations of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mandiekuo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandiekuo/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/mandiekuo