Meet Zhenyu Pan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zhenyu Pan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Zhenyu, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I didn’t exactly find my purpose — it revealed itself through small moments. I don’t think I’ve fully figured it out yet, but I’m getting closer with every drawing, every observation, and every story I choose to tell. Following my curiosity has led me here, which has shaped the path forward.

Moving to New York was a turning point. I was drawn to the city’s confidence, individuality, and energy. People here embrace who they are, and that openness encouraged me to pursue what I truly love. When I illustrate life using vibrant shapes and expressive colors, I feel like I’m offering a quiet kind of optimism — a gentle way of seeing the world that invites joy and imagination.

Recently, my work has felt more like a conversation between myself and the world. I find meaning in people’s everyday moments — sometimes loud, sometimes quiet — and enjoy reimagining them through my lens. I also worked on a project focused on Chinese intangible cultural heritage, which made me realize illustration can be more than storytelling — it can be a way of amplifying overlooked voices and cultural traditions. This project helped support rural women through traditional crafts and gave my work a sense of purpose I hadn’t expected.

At the same time, I’ve always been drawn to picture books. That love grew quietly during my time in school, giving me a free space for my imagination. With the support of my professors, I began pushing the boundaries of the picture book form, experimenting with structure and material to tell personal and sincere stories.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Zhenyu Pan, a freelance illustrator and picture book maker.
I love telling stories — sometimes through books and sometimes through a single image. Drawing has always been a way for me to process what I see and feel and to share those small moments with others. I’m especially drawn to the ordinary — daily gestures, unnoticed scenes — and I enjoy weaving imagination into those observations, creating a space where reality and fantasy meet. Exploring new formats and materials has become a natural part of that process. Whether through an unusual book structure, a hand-printed piece, or an editorial illustration, I’m always looking for ways to shape stories that feel grounded and alive.

In 2024, I co-founded Pretty Wishes Press with two friends — a small independent project created to support and celebrate female artists and create a gentle space for collaboration and growth. Along the way, I’ve been grateful to receive encouragement from mentors and friends. Some of my projects have been recognized by organizations like AI-AP, 3×3 Magazine, JIA Illustration Award, Hiii Illustration, and iJungle.

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 things have been especially meaningful in my creative journey — not just regarding skills but how I see myself and grow through my work.

First, I’ve learned that style isn’t something you chase — it grows naturally through practice and curiosity. I used to feel pressure to “find my voice,” but over time, I realized it was already there, quietly forming as I kept drawing.

Second, I’ve learned the importance of connection. For a long time, I thought that making good work was enough. But my most significant growth came from opening up — sharing, collaborating, and creating things with others. Starting Pretty Wishes Press with my friends was one of those moments.

And third: try different mediums. You never know what might light you up. I used to think I had to pick one technique and stick with it, but I’ve found so much joy and possibility through experimenting — whether it’s risograph printing, silkscreen, or handmade books. Every medium helps me tell stories differently. So, I stay curious and let playfulness lead the way. Sometimes, the “right” path isn’t something you plan — you stumble into by trying something new.

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

If I only had a decade left, I’d stop worrying so much about building a career. I’d focus on making the kind of work that feels honest — drawing at my own pace, following what brings me joy. I’d also spend more time with my family and my cat. I want to take them to places around the world where we haven’t been and draw along the way. I could turn those sketches and memories into a simple and personal book. A quiet way to leave a trace of myself in this world.

Time is always precious. It’s easy to forget that when life gets busy. If I had ten years, I’d want to live closer to what matters: the people I love, the stories I care about, and the quiet joy of making something just because it feels right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zhenyupan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhenyu.pann/
• Other: https://www.phoebepaper.com/pretty-wishes-issue-01

Image Credits

Nir Arieli (Portrait Photo)