We recently connected with Mandie Kuo and have shared our conversation below.
Mandie, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome poses a persistent challenge for numerous creatives, and I am no exception. While I cannot claim to have completely conquered imposter syndrome, as it occasionally resurfaces, I have found that consistent practice and the pursuit of new knowledge are effective strategies for mitigating its impact. Rather than succumbing to self-doubt, view these moments as opportunities to identify and address specific insecurities. By actively working on self-improvement, I believe it’s the most effective way to diminish the influence of imposter syndrome and foster a more confident mindset.
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?
My diverse artistic endeavors span from crafting children’s picture books to engaging in cross-brand collaborations, all infused with my illustration style, and centered around beloved animal characters. Beyond my fondness for animals, my art integrates uplifting quotes through lettering art. Originating from high school, where quotes provided solace, I am dedicated to spreading positivity. My career goal is to create connections and inspire others to see the beauty in the world.
Thriving on challenges, I explore new styles through collaborations, pushing my artistic boundaries for continuous growth. My work is not just a job; it’s a source of purpose and fulfillment, fueling excitement for the endless possibilities in my creative future.
Currently, in addition to cross-brand collaborations, I’m excited to share that I’m working on several picture books. Please stay tuned for more updates!
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?
Passion, perseverance, and time management skills are the most impactful assets throughout my journey, even until now. Maintaining passion for your work adds an interesting and motivating dimension, yet it’s the quality of perseverance that plays a pivotal role in sustaining long-term commitment. Alongside this, effective time management skills are crucial, particularly in freelance jobs, ensuring efficiency and timely completion of tasks.
For those early in the journey, I recommend nurturing and exploring your passions to make your work engaging and motivating. To develop perseverance, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and maintain a resilient mindset. Additionally, prioritize sharpening time management skills by setting realistic goals and deadlines. Cultivating these qualities early on will lay a solid foundation for a fulfilling and enduring journey in your chosen field!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Cross-brand collaboration has always been the highlight of my creative endeavors. Meeting fellow creatives worldwide and sparking new ideas is truly delightful! I’m open to various collaboration ideas, particularly with stationery brands, homeware, and children’s products. If you’re from a different creative field, I’d love to hear your ideas too! Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram (mandiekuo), and let’s create something fun together!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.mandiekuo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandiekuo/
- Other: https://www.behance.net/mandiekuo
