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

Alright, Weiling thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve been passionate about art since childhood, with one of my earliest memories being doodling on my grandparents’ walls at the age of four. My family’s encouragement nurtured my love for drawing and expressing the imaginary worlds in my mind. Initially, I pursued Industrial Design at the Rhode Island School of Design, hoping to enter toy design, but I soon realized that the constraints of physical manufacturing didn’t suit my creative aspirations.
During quarantine, when I got my first Nintendo Switch, I discovered the boundless potential of the game industry through games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This led me to double major in Illustration and pursue game art. After graduating, I became a 2D game artist for the mobile game Good Pizza, Great Pizza. It’s been an incredible journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a game artist at TapBlaze LLC, an indie game studio based in Los Angeles, California. My primary focus is on the art for our flagship title, Good Pizza, Great Pizza. Over the past decade, this game has captivated players around the world, evolving into a beloved classic. With over 1 million daily active users and 300 million downloads, Good Pizza, Great Pizza has consistently topped the charts in major markets like China, Korea, Mexico, and Brazil across mobile, Steam, and Switch platforms.

Good Pizza, Great Pizza is more than just a pizza cooking simulation game; it’s a creative and immersive experience where players take orders, craft pizzas to meet customer requests, and earn in-game currency to personalize their pizzerias with a wide array of decorations. My role is to ensure that this visual experience remains engaging, fresh, and aligned with the game’s cozy and inviting aesthetic. I design, illustrate, and animate themed decoration sets for our monthly in-game events, which celebrate various holidays and cultural moments. From crafting a futuristic cyberpunk pizzeria to designing a romantic Valentine’s theme and a heartwarming Mother’s Day set, I strive to bring a diverse range of styles to the game.

Working at TapBlaze means wearing many hats, especially since we’re a small team of 12 members, including only two artists. In addition to my work on in-game art, I also contribute to other aspects of the game’s visual identity. This includes game UI/UX design, ensuring that the event user interface is intuitive and enhances the player experience. I’m also involved in merchandise creation, designing items like keychains, tote bags, and other products that fans of Good Pizza, Great Pizza can enjoy in the real world.

What sets me apart is my versatility and deep passion for crafting diverse visual experiences that truly resonate with players. I’m proud of the work I’ve done to help make Good Pizza, Great Pizza a global favorite, and I’m committed to continuing to push creative boundaries. My goal is to keep delivering unique, memorable experiences that our players and fans can cherish for years to come.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The central goal that drives my creative journey is the desire to create experiences that resonate emotionally with players and leave a lasting impact. I’m passionate about crafting visuals that not only enhance gameplay but also evoke feelings of joy, comfort, and connection. I strive to design art that players can immerse themselves in, whether it’s through a beautifully detailed game environment or a character design that players can relate to.

A key part of this goal is my commitment to diversity and inclusivity in my work. I believe that everyone should see themselves represented in the games they play, and this drives me to create characters and environments that reflect a wide range of cultures, identities, and experiences.

Ultimately, my goal is to push creative boundaries and continually evolve as an artist, so I can keep delivering unique and meaningful experiences to players. Seeing how my work brings joy to others and contributes to a game’s success is what fuels my passion and keeps me striving for excellence.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to bring ideas to life and see them resonate with others. There’s a deep satisfaction in starting with a blank canvas or concept and transforming it into something tangible that others can experience and enjoy. When I see players connect with my work—whether it’s through a beloved character, a beautifully designed environment, or a piece of game art that sparks joy—it’s incredibly fulfilling. After each event release, I love checking social media to see players’ reactions. It’s rewarding to see them sharing their love for specific decorations, creatively combining different elements to craft unique styles, and offering suggestions for improvement.

Another rewarding aspect is the constant opportunity for learning and growth. We’re currently working on a sequel to Good Pizza, Great Pizza, which brings exciting new challenges. Developing new gameplay features, experimenting with different artistic styles, and finding creative solutions to complex problems keep the work fresh and engaging. This continuous process of improvement and exploration motivates me to push my boundaries and evolve as an artist.

Finally, the collaborative nature of being a game artist is something I deeply value. Working with a diverse team of talented individuals, each bringing their own expertise and creativity, allows us to create something far greater than what any one person could achieve alone. Being part of this collective creative effort, and knowing that my contributions help shape a player’s experience, is immensely gratifying.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.weilingpeng.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weiling-peng-wp99
• Other: https://www.goodpizzagreatpizza.com/
  https://www.tapblaze.com/