We recently connected with Yuxin Wu and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yuxin, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
I’ve realized that creativity blocks are a natural part of the creative process. Someone once told me that recognizing a creative block is actually a good thing. Throughout my artistic journey, I’ve run into many blocks at different stages. I remember learning to draw in middle school, especially with still-life and portrait studies. My work didn’t seem accurate, which made me feel really disappointed and discouraged. I even questioned my talent for art. They were particularly difficult because portraits didn’t look like the same person. But I didn’t give up. I carefully examined the composition and movement of each muscle and bone while studying the research and works of many artists. I overcame those challenges and experienced significant improvement. When I truly understood human anatomy, I stopped feeling upset. I came to see that capturing the soul and expression of the person is what makes portraiture so great. Although technical accuracy is important, the goal of art is to create something original that expresses the artist’s feelings and viewpoint, not to replicate reality.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hello, everyone. I’m a children’s illustrator from China. My decision to pursue a career as an illustrator came to me like a sudden spark of inspiration. I’ve loved drawing since I was little. When I was five, I wanted to be a fashion designer, as my mother loved to dress me up in adorable outfits.
As I grew up, I was deeply inspired by watching amazing animations and reading comics. This led me to study animation in college. While learning animations, I realized I still retained my sense of childlike wonder, and my love of children’s books inspired me to choose a different route: creating picture books for young readers. In graduate school, I started studying illustration. I want to create more engaging children’s picture books that keep my childlike heart alive, inspire children, and help adults reconnect with their inner child.
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?
First, children’s literature from around the world has been one of the most influential influences on my journey. I read a lot as a kid and discovered many amazing books, like Alice in Wonderland, The Little Prince, and Charlotte’sart of these authors’ stories because of their e Web. I felt an extraordinary imagination and vivid characters. This profoundly shaped my decision to become a children’s illustrator.
Second, for me, reading constantly has been an essential skill. Reading books from different fields broadens my perspective, inspires me to create diverse stories, and refreshes my knowledge base.
Lastly, the ability to observe well is a very useful trait. As an artist, observing the world around us and the small details of everyday life is important. Life is art, and creating from life gives art authenticity and depth.
For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is to observe and continually develop. Pay attention to the world, record your thoughts, and then turn them Into your unique expressions. Finally, always be grateful for everything, including yourself, the gifts of nature, and the people who support you along the way.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents’ most impactful thing for me was cultivating my reading habits from a young age. They would tell me bedtime stories and buy me countless beautiful children’s picture books. They also made sure I was fully engaged in traditional Chinese culture by teaching me classics like Di Zi Gui and Child and San Zi Jing. These lessons have had a deep influence on me. They always reminded me to stay humble. Then, I hold myself to high standards and constantly strive for improvement. I want to be better in the next project. Therefore, I take the time to think and critique myself after every creative attempt.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yuxinwuart.com
- Instagram: wrenwwu
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuxin-wu-b46386252
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