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

Alright, Chalzea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

I was fortunate that my first job was at a fashion company in Shanghai, where I designed a clothing collection for them, including print patterns and promotional illustrations. I was 18 at the time, and no one around me supported my pursuit of art. In that era, and in my hometown, painting was looked down upon. For the first time, I proved my ability to make a living through art, which changed the perception of my environment toward me.

Later, the company sold three more of my designs. Thanks to their over 10 million followers on social media, the sales of a sun-protective clothing line I designed were impressive. I earned a commission that could support my living expenses for two months, and they promoted me to senior designer. The company eventually became one of Disney’s licensed fashion collaborators, and my boss trusted me with several projects. I was responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and illustrating entire clothing and illustration series. I completed them successfully and felt proud of my accomplishments.

I worked at this company as a freelance illustrator and senior designer for four years until I came to New York to study. I am deeply grateful to this company, not only for the work experience but also for giving a young illustrator in need of support a chance to prove themselves.

Chalzea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am, and have always been, a freelance illustrator, and an artist. At the age of 12, I decided that art was what I would dedicate my life to. Since then, I’ve been teaching myself to draw, and to this day, I’ve never considered any career path other than illustration. I feel that it guides my soul.

Now, with several years of professional experience, I am a seasoned illustrator who has undergone excellent and comprehensive formal training. I believe I have never stopped improving my skills because constant learning and growth are qualities that every competent illustrator should possess.

Currently, I take on commissions for book illustrations, editorial pieces, advertisements, and promotional projects.
If I had to highlight something I’m particularly proud of, it would be my efficiency. I’ve rarely, if ever, missed a deadline. During my busiest months, I might handle commissions for dozens of illustrations of various types, yet I always work quickly and diligently. I take every project seriously because I genuinely enjoy them. I mean, drawing is my favorite thing to do—what’s there to complain about?

As for the essence of my work, I understand that no matter what I say, there will always be different audiences with differing opinions. Some describe my style as edged and unconventional, while others call it commercial and mainstream. All I can say is that, regardless of the voices out there, my style will always remain a core part of me. It’s the foundation of my work, something I’ve painstakingly developed on my own, and it’s uniquely mine.

I know that the right clients will always find me because my work tells the stories they need to convey, and for that, I’m grateful. Until then, I’ll keep doing what I do best: drawing with care and passion, seriously working on every single illustration.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I truly wish I had learned earlier—much earlier—how to deal with emotional trauma, failure, and setbacks. Ten years of depression is no joke. Please, always actively seek help!

I’m currently on medication for bipolar disorder and anxiety. That’s not to say everyone needs to take medication—if possible, I hope no one ever has to rely on it, as it does place some strain on my kidneys. But starting medication has genuinely helped me a lot. At least for now, I can truly enjoy life.

If I had the chance to start therapy earlier, to understand how to maintain mental health sooner, and to blame myself a little less, would everything have been different?

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

This might sound a bit cliché, but my goal has always been letting more people to see my art. I’ve been steadfast in advocating for animal welfare and women’s rights, and I’ve realized that the reach of art can amplify my beliefs and share them with a wider audience.

Art has incredible power—it’s like magma rolling beneath a volcano. If it reaches enough people, if an artist’s work, cliché as it may sound, becomes “famous,” they gain the chance to use it as a platform. Whether it’s anti-war messages, abortion rights, or environmental protection, they have an opportunity to call for change and inspire others to make the world a better place, even if just a little.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chalzea.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalzea_art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chalzea-xu/