We were lucky to catch up with Cole Pu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The first time I decided to become an artist was when our primary school teacher asked us what role we wanted to play when we grew up. I said I wanted to become an artist. I wasn’t good at math, playing instruments, or singing songs; drawing seemed to be my only advantage. I have loved drawing and painting since I was a boy, and I like to use pictures to convey my ideas. Therefore, I want my works to be seen by more people. Being an artist is the best role for me.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Yuqiang Pu, but my friends prefer to call me Cole. I am a freelance illustrator and concept artist, specializing in creating sci-fi and horror illustrations using both traditional and digital materials. In traditional media, I particularly love using ink and pen because they allow me to achieve the visual effects I desire—black and white contrasts, positive and negative shapes, and lines are the perfect combination for creating a horror atmosphere. In digital art, I find it to be the best tool for creating thumbnails and concept art. As a freelance illustrator, I often collaborate closely with my clients. I prefer to treat my clients as friends rather than just work collaborators because I have found that it facilitates easier communication and idea-sharing. People say that having good conversations with others is key to success, and I firmly believe in that philosophy.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I love reading books, which is why book illustration is one of my target markets. If I am lacking inspiration lately, I will go and grab a book that I love; the description of environments or a short stories about characters may give me a spark. Books provide me with endless inspiration and fuel my imagination. One particular book that ignited my desire to create is “Tales of Horror” by H.P. Lovecraft. I admire the author’s imagination, and his novels transport me into his Cthulhu world, which significantly influences my art style. With the enough inspiration and resources, I have been walking on this creation path for three years, and I am about to publish my own and first illustration book.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
As a freelance illustrator, I am always figuring out how to build my reputation and seize good opportunities. My primary goal is to showcase my artworks to a wider audience and publish my own illustration book. I see this as a pivotal challenge in my art career because the book I aim to create will reflect my thoughts, summarize a phase of my life, and serve as a testament to my passion for art. Choosing to pursue illustration, I am determined not to disappoint myself. I hope to create illustrations that resonate with people and inspire others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colepu.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cole.pu/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-pu-8b26a8265/
