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

Hi Zhao, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Oh, this takes me back! I don’t think there was a single, dramatic moment when I “knew” I wanted to pursue art professionally—it was more like a quiet inevitability, a path that had always been unfolding beneath my feet.

As a kid, I was constantly drawing, just like many children do. But for me, it wasn’t just a phase. I drew on every surface I could find—school notebooks, scrap paper, even the margins of my math homework. Stories fascinated me, and I would spend hours sketching characters and scenes, trying to bring them to life.

One particular memory stands out: when I was in fourth grade, about ten years old, my teacher brought in a stack of youth magazines and told us they were holding a cover illustration contest. Any student interested could submit artwork. Excited by the idea, I drew three illustrations and mailed them in. About a week later, I received an acceptance letter along with a payment slip for my very first commissioned work. It felt surreal—my drawings were going to be published! I used that money to take my family out for pizza, which, at the time, felt like the ultimate victory.

Looking back, that moment was probably the first time I realized that art wasn’t just something I loved doing—it was something that could connect me with the world in a real, tangible way. Of course, the journey from that realization to making a career out of it was long and winding. I later studied illustration formally, took on professional work, and honed my craft through years of projects. But that childhood experience—sending in my drawings and seeing them in print—planted the seed that would eventually grow into my lifelong path as an illustrator.

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 an illustrator and visual storyteller, with a deep love for capturing fleeting moments, intricate details, and the emotional undercurrents of everyday life. My work primarily focuses on editorial illustration, book covers, and comics, and I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with publishers, magazines, and creative projects across different industries.
My journey into illustration started when I pursued formal education in illustration, earned my MFA. Over the years, I’ve developed a style that blends meticulous detail with rich storytelling, often drawing from social realities, cultural narratives, and personal reflections. My work frequently explores themes of nostalgia, change, and the coexistence of past and present—especially in the context of contemporary Chinese youth culture.
One of the things that sets me apart is my approach to visual storytelling. I don’t just illustrate a scene; I aim to create immersive moments that evoke emotion and curiosity. Whether it’s an editorial piece, a book cover, or a comic panel, I focus on the tiny, often overlooked details that make a scene feel real—like the way light filters through a window at a certain hour or the subconscious gestures people make when lost in thought. I also enjoy incorporating elements of historical research and contemporary social themes, ensuring that my work resonates beyond just aesthetics.
What I’m most proud of is how my work has allowed me to connect with others. Whether it’s through published books, editorial illustrations, or independent projects, I love when people tell me that my artwork made them feel something—whether it’s nostalgia, wonder, or a quiet recognition of their own experiences. Art, to me, is a bridge that links people across time and space.
For anyone new to my work, I’d love for them to see it as more than just visuals—it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and find beauty in the small moments. Whether you’re a publisher, a storyteller, or a fellow creative, I’m always open to collaborations that bring meaningful narratives to life.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create something that resonates with others—something that lingers in their minds, sparks a memory, or makes them see the world a little differently. Art is a language that transcends words, and when someone connects with my work on a personal level, it feels like a conversation without boundaries.
There’s a quiet magic in capturing a fleeting moment—whether it’s a childhood memory, a subtle emotion, or an atmosphere that feels almost tangible—and sharing it in a way that makes others pause and reflect. I love hearing from people who say that my illustrations reminded them of a feeling they couldn’t quite put into words, or that a particular piece brought them comfort, nostalgia, or even inspiration for their own creative journey.
Another deeply rewarding aspect is storytelling. Whether through a single illustration or a sequential narrative, I love weaving visual stories that immerse people, invite curiosity, and allow them to step into another world—if only for a moment. As an illustrator, I get to bridge the gap between imagination and reality, transforming abstract ideas into something people can see, feel, and experience.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media has been a gradual, organic process for me—one that revolves around consistency, authenticity, and genuine engagement rather than just chasing numbers. I started by simply sharing my artwork, not with a strategy in mind, but out of a desire to connect with like-minded people and put my work out into the world. Over time, I realized that the way I approached sharing my work mattered just as much as the work itself.
For those just starting to build a social media presence, my biggest advice is:
Be consistent, but don’t burn yourself out. Posting regularly helps keep your work visible, but don’t force yourself to churn out content at the expense of your creativity. Find a sustainable rhythm—whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—and stick to it.
Share the journey, not just the finished product. People love seeing behind the scenes—sketches, work-in-progress shots, insights into your thought process. It makes your work feel more alive and invites people into your creative world.
Find your unique voice. Instead of trying to replicate what’s trending, focus on what makes your art or perspective special. Authenticity stands out in a sea of content.
Be patient. Growth takes time. It’s easy to feel discouraged when engagement fluctuates, but numbers don’t define your value as an artist. Keep creating, keep sharing, and the right audience will find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.captainsantjer.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tidalpanel/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mr_sangel

Image Credits

Author：Santjer（Zhao Wu）