Meet Weiling Pan

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Weiling Pan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Weiling, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room can be intimidating, but I’ve learned to turn it into a strength. As an immigrant and an artist, I’ve often felt like an outsider, but that perspective has shaped my creativity and made my work unique. Instead of trying to fit in, I focus on embracing what makes me different—my background, my experiences, and my artistic voice.

I’ve learned that confidence comes from trusting my own journey. Early on, I struggled with self-doubt, questioning whether my art was truly original. But over time, I realized that my perspective is what makes my work special. No one else has lived my life, and that authenticity is what resonates with others.

Success, for me, has come from persistence, adaptability, and storytelling. My art allows me to communicate beyond words, creating connections even in spaces where I might feel out of place. By staying true to my vision and continuing to push my creative boundaries, I’ve found my place—even in rooms where I stand alone.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a multidisciplinary artist who combines digital and traditional media to explore themes of identity, growth, and human connection. My work is deeply personal, often inspired by my experiences as an immigrant, my journey of self-discovery, and the emotions tied to navigating different worlds. I see life as a collage—layered with memories, cultures, and perspectives—which directly translates into my artistic process.

One of the most exciting aspects of my work is how I create immersive, tactile pieces that invite viewers to engage visually and emotionally. My BFA series, which featured a robot character navigating different landscapes, reflects my own journey of resilience and adaptation. I enjoy blending storytelling with intricate details, using collage techniques to construct scenes that feel both nostalgic and futuristic.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce my upcoming solo exhibition at IMUR Gallery in 2026. This new body of work will continue my exploration of collage, combining landscapes with my recurring robot character to create a narrative-driven experience. I’m pushing the boundaries of my medium to make these pieces more dynamic, layered, and reflective of my evolving artistic voice.

Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own journeys, find meaning in everyday moments, and see creativity as a way to connect with the world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three key qualities that have shaped my journey are resilience, adaptability, and storytelling. As an immigrant, overcoming language barriers and self-doubt taught me persistence—every challenge became a stepping stone for growth. Being adaptable allowed me to evolve my artistic approach, from traditional illustration to collage, embracing new techniques and ideas along the way. Most importantly, storytelling has been at the heart of my work, allowing me to express my emotions, experiences, and unique perspective. Art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about connection. My advice to those starting out is to trust yourself, stay curious, and keep creating. Progress comes from consistency, exploration, and embracing what makes you unique.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe it’s more effective to go all in on our strengths because no one is perfect, even in the areas they excel at. Strengths require time, practice, and refinement to truly stand out. In my own work, I’ve faced many challenges while creating, and each project has pushed me to grow. By focusing on what I do best, I’ve naturally improved in areas I wasn’t as strong in—whether it was problem-solving, technical skills, or confidence in my vision. The creative process itself is a journey of learning, and challenges force us to adapt and expand our abilities. Instead of trying to be good at everything, I’ve found that deepening my strengths leads to the most meaningful growth.

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