We were lucky to catch up with Leichen Wagner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Leichen, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember—ever since I could hold a pencil, it felt like an extension of my thoughts. One moment that stands out is a preschool drawing assignment; I remember looking at my finished piece and noticing that it stood out from the rest. Even at that young age, I felt a quiet thrill, a spark of confidence that maybe this was something I could be good at. That simple assignment planted the seed of a lifelong love for visual expression. As I grew older, that passion expanded beyond drawing to include television, theatre, and literature—worlds full of imagination and storytelling that fascinated me. Eventually, I discovered that there were actual careers behind the things I loved. That realization transformed a childhood hobby into a lifelong pursuit.

Leichen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an illustrator with a deep love for visual storytelling. My journey into illustration began in early childhood—I was always the kid with a pencil in hand, constantly drawing characters, scenes, and imaginary worlds. Over time, that passion turned into a profession as I realized that illustration could be more than a hobby—it could be a powerful way to communicate, connect, and create impact.

I work across both digital and traditional mediums, offering custom illustrations for a variety of purposes—editorial, publishing, and personal commissions. My style tends to be colorful, whimsical, and inspired by nature, often blending narrative elements with thoughtful design. Whether I’m illustrating a book cover, creating assets for visual development, or crafting artwork for environment design, my goal is to make visuals that are not only beautiful, but meaningful and memorable.

One of the things that sets my work apart is my ability to translate ideas and emotions into clear, compelling imagery. Clients often come to me with a feeling or a story they want to express, and I help them bring it to life through art that feels intentional and deeply considered. I value collaboration, clear communication, and a high standard of quality in every project I take on.

What I’d love potential clients, collaborators, or fans to know is that I’m not just creating art for art’s sake—I’m here to tell stories, to solve visual challenges, and to connect with others through creativity. If you’re looking for someone who brings both heart and skill to the table, I’d love to be a part of your vision.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Society can best support artists by valuing creative work as essential, not optional. This means fair compensation, access to funding and resources, arts education from an early age, and creating platforms that amplify diverse voices. A thriving creative ecosystem depends on recognizing artists not just as entertainers, but as vital contributors to culture, innovation, and community.

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—whether it evokes a feeling, tells a story, or simply makes someone pause and look a little closer. There’s something incredibly meaningful about turning ideas into visuals that connect with people on a personal level. It’s also deeply fulfilling to see my work take on a life of its own in the world —knowing it started as an idea in my sketchbook. That creative transformation never stops feeling magical.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leichenarts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leichenart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leichen-wagner