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

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

When I was a year old, my family held a unique tradition to celebrate my first birthday—something many Chinese families do. It’s called the “Draw Lots” ceremony, where different items like an abacus, a pen, a toy, and snacks are laid out for the child to choose from. Each item is said to symbolize a potential path or interest in life. As the family eagerly watched, I crawled toward the items and picked up a pen. My relatives laughed and joked, saying I was destined to be a scholar or an artist.

That moment became a small but meaningful anecdote in my family, and perhaps, in hindsight, it was a sign of what was to come. Not long after, my grandmother began teaching me how to draw. I was only two years old, but I quickly learned how to sketch basic shapes like triangles, squares, and rectangles. My lines were surprisingly straight for a child my age, and my family began to believe I had a talent for art.

Encouraged by this discovery, they enrolled me in an art class. The teacher initially wanted me to try children’s drawings with markers and bright colors, but my interests pulled me in a different direction. I was mesmerized by the elegance and grace of Chinese painting. The fluid brushstrokes, the interplay of ink and water, and the deep sense of tradition captivated me even as a child.

One of my early inspirations was the artist Xu Beihong, renowned for his paintings of horses. His works perfectly blend Chinese brush techniques and Western realism, and I was in awe of how he brought these majestic animals to life. The horses he painted seemed to leap off the canvas, their muscles taut, their manes flowing, their poses full of energy and power. Through his strokes, I could almost feel the thunder of hooves and the freedom of motion. His work planted a seed in my heart—a fascination with art’s ability to evoke movement, emotion, and life.

Looking back, those early moments of discovery and inspiration shaped my artistic journey. From picking up that pen on my first birthday to marveling at Xu Beihong’s horses, I realized art wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was a part of who I was and who I wanted to become.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Alina Xu, currently studying at SVA’s MFA Illustration as Visual Essay program. I’m an illustrator and artist specializing in mixed media techniques, often combining watercolor with digital art. I’m also proficient in creating purely digital artwork. My work focuses on themes that explore the connection between nature, animals, and humanity. I also enjoy capturing subtle emotions in my illustrations.

One of my recent projects is a picture book titled Memory. It tells the story of a red panda who owns a tea shop and tries to help her dear friend, an elderly woman, recover her lost memories. In the end, they discover the joy of creating new memories together.

Occasionally, I create fan art inspired by games and anime that I love. If you have a favorite game or anime, feel free to reach out for commission work—I’d love to bring your ideas 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 or creative is the ability to connect with others through visual language. Through my work, I can express emotions, ideas, and stories that are often difficult to put into words. When viewers can resonate emotionally with my art or find their own stories within my creations, those moments bring me immense satisfaction.

I also deeply enjoy the process of creating. Whether it’s capturing the subtle beauty of nature or building a fantastical world, every step of creation fills me with the joy of exploration and discovery. This process not only allows me to express myself but also helps me better understand myself and the world around me.

In particular, I love the process of painting with watercolors. The way the brush carries pigment and gently spreads it across the paper feels incredibly soothing and therapeutic to me. It’s a moment where I can fully immerse myself in the flow of creation.

One of the most fulfilling moments is when my work brings warmth and encouragement or becomes a part of someone’s life. This ability to make an impact and spread positive energy is something I cherish deeply as an artist.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had started participating in art fairs earlier in my creative journey. In the past, I was hesitant because I worried my work wasn’t “mature” enough or that my style was too diverse and undefined. I feared people might not like my art or that I wouldn’t fit in. However, I’ve come to realize that art fairs are one of the few opportunities where people can interact with you face-to-face, take their time to appreciate your work, and connect with you on a personal level.

Beyond showcasing your creations, art fairs are also an invaluable platform for networking and learning. They offer the chance to meet other artists, exchange ideas, and build a supportive community. Seeing how others present their work and engage with visitors has been incredibly inspiring and helped me grow more confident in my own abilities.

If I had known earlier how encouraging and constructive these experiences could be, I would have jumped into them without hesitation. Art fairs aren’t just about selling your work—they’re about connecting, learning, and gaining real world insights into the creative field. They’ve taught me that you don’t need to have everything figured out to start sharing your art with the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alinaxu.art/
• Instagram: alinaxu.art