Meet Xinlin Wu

We recently connected with Xinlin Wu and have shared our conversation below.

Xinlin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose often feels like a journey rather than a destination—it’s something that unfolds over time as l explore, experience, and reflect on what matters most to you.

For me, it’s about being curious and open to growth. Whether it’s creating something meaningful, helping others, or solving problems, purpose often emerges in the overlap of what i love, what iam good at, and what the world needs. Sometimes, it’s trial and error—following passions, learning from mistakes, and noticing which experiences bring fulfillment.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an illustrator specializing in picture books and commercial art, dedicated to telling meaningful and engaging stories through visual narratives. What sets my work apart is my unique approach to blending traditional culture with modern design, often incorporating surreal elements to create a distinctive artistic style. For example, my Fantastical Garden series draws inspiration from real gardens in the UK, China, and Japan, using exaggeration and reimagined elements to depict the harmonious coexistence of people and nature.

Currently, I’m working on a children’s picture book titled Don’t Underestimate These Branches. It’s designed for kids aged 3-5 and uses a fun, adventurous story to inspire young readers to appreciate the importance of seemingly ordinary things in life. At the same time, I’ve launched a podcast where I interview freelance illustrators, sharing their professional journeys to inspire and support others in the creative community.

Looking ahead, I plan to explore new directions, including creating my own original IP and venturing into the cultural and creative industries. I aim to combine design and creativity to deliver works that are both captivating and rich in cultural significance. Through these efforts, I hope to bring art and life closer together, allowing more people to experience the charm of creativity. If you’re interested in my work or future plans, feel free to reach out!

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?

Looking back, three key qualities and skills that were most impactful in my journey were curiosity, resilience, and the ability to tell stories visually. These shaped not only how I approached my work but also how I navigated challenges and grew as an illustrator.

1. Curiosity
Curiosity pushed me to constantly learn and explore new styles, techniques, and ideas. It’s the reason I’ve been able to blend traditional cultural elements with modern aesthetics and develop a unique artistic voice.
Advice: Stay curious by stepping out of your comfort zone. Experiment with mediums, study other art forms, and embrace diverse cultural influences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or try something unconventional—it’s often in those moments that breakthroughs happen.

2. Resilience
In the creative field, setbacks are inevitable. There were moments when projects didn’t go as planned or rejections made me doubt myself. Resilience helped me bounce back and turn these experiences into valuable lessons.
Advice: Build resilience by embracing failure as part of the learning process. Set realistic expectations and remind yourself that growth takes time. Surround yourself with supportive peers or mentors who can encourage you when things get tough.

3. Visual Storytelling
The ability to communicate stories through images has been central to my work, especially in creating picture books and commercial art. Visual storytelling allows me to connect emotionally with audiences and convey messages that go beyond words.
Advice: Hone this skill by studying storytelling techniques, observing how others craft narratives, and practicing with your own projects. Think about how every element—composition, color, texture—can support the story you want to tell.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay persistent and keep evolving. Invest time in building your foundation, but also trust your intuition and let your passion guide you. The road isn’t always easy, but each step will shape you into the artist you’re meant to be.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Currently, one of my biggest challenges is balancing creativity with practicality. As an illustrator, I strive to push boundaries and create meaningful, unique work, but I also need to meet commercial demands and tight deadlines. Finding a balance between maintaining artistic integrity and ensuring work is marketable can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope.

Another challenge is managing multiple projects simultaneously. Whether it’s working on a picture book, designing for a client, or developing personal projects like my podcast, each requires focus and creativity. Prioritizing tasks without losing the spark for any of them can be tough.

Finally, I’m navigating the process of breaking into new fields, such as creating original IPs and exploring the cultural and creative industries. It’s both exciting and daunting, as it involves learning new skills, building connections, and stepping into the unknown.

What helps me face these challenges is staying organized, continuously learning, and reminding myself of the reasons why I love creating in the first place. Challenges are part of the growth process, and I try to view them as opportunities to improve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.xinlinwu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sicilyxinlin/

Image Credits

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