We recently connected with Vivi John and have shared our conversation below.

Vivi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

“Every Day is a Good Day” is an exploration and tribute to the traditional Chinese calendar, which we tear off a page as each day ends. Although we no longer see traditional wall calendars hanging on walls in our homes as often among the younger generation, I have always admired this typology and its importance to society and cultural preservation. Using the traditional lunar calendar as a starting point, I decided to revisit and reimagine a new one.

This illustrated daily wall calendar is created so that as time goes by, there is something to look forward to, each and every day counts, even an ordinary day can be celebrated. The triplets —- Boba Bears,, will appear in all illustrations for different holidays. The characters will guide the audience through each holiday as if they are spending the year together and leaving behind memories.

The calendar is risograph-printed on thin paper, using a maximum of 2 to 3 colors for each month, and bound on top, just like in the old days. By tearing a piece of paper every day, you will feel how your days go by. One day at a time. Time can be seen and felt more realistically than just as a concept.

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 Vivi John, a New York-based illustrator and graphic designer originally from Taiwan. My work revolves around vibrant, colorful palettes with a touch of vintage charm. I’m passionate about creating visuals that tell stories and evoke emotions, capturing small but meaningful moments from everyday life.

Growing up in Taiwan, I always loved drawing, but I didn’t initially see it as a career path. I began my journey in communications design, building a foundation in visual storytelling and design. After working as an editor at a media advertising company, I had the opportunity to interview creative professionals across various disciplines. Their inspiring journeys rekindled my passion for illustration and motivated me to shift my career focus. That pivotal decision set me on the path to becoming an illustrator, combining my background in design with my love for storytelling.

My illustrations aim to evoke a little nostalgia, blending retro aesthetics with warm, inviting tones. Whether it’s through editorial pieces, branding projects, or personal works, I strive to create visuals that resonate with people and make them feel something.

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

One thing I find most rewarding of being an illustrator and graphic designer is being able to connect with audiences through my work—turning fleeting, everyday moments into something tangible and memorable. For me, illustration is not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about finding meaning in the ordinary and sharing that through art. At the end of the day, I just love to draw, and I feel incredibly lucky to turn my passion into a career.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I decided to leave a stable job in media to pursue my dream of becoming an illustrator, I faced a lot of uncertainty. Adjusting to a new direction in my career brought challenges—grappling with self-doubt and proving to myself that I had made the right choice. I remember struggling with a major project that felt impossible to complete. There were times when I doubted my abilities and even questioned whether I belonged in this field. Instead of giving up, I poured myself into experimenting, refining, and seeking feedback from others. Slowly but surely, the project came together and became one of my favorite pieces. That experience taught me that setbacks are part of growth and that resilience often means showing up, doing the work, and trusting the process—even when it feels like you’re failing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vivijohn.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivijohn_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivi-john/