We recently connected with Wandy Cheng and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Wandy, thanks for joining us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

Sitting down and really putting time into figuring out the “why” of what I do, so I am not restless and saying “yes” to every new opportunity that may be more stressful than fun once the excitement wears off. Once I find my answer, dig deeper with more inquiry and curiosity so my work reflects the complexity with clarity.

Investing in professional development within my field but also adjacent or outside my field. Learning from experts and those who’ve been in a similar trajectory and then *applying* the knowledge in my own language. The value always finds its way back to benefit my career somehow.

On a more administrative front, getting an accountant that understands the creative field and inner workings of independent artists, so I can lessen the strain to figure out every answer on my own and free up mental space.

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?

I’m an illustrator from Hong Kong currently working in Toronto, Canada whose work is expressed through illustration, ceramics, and paper-cut. Inspired by memories of lived experiences, architectures, and environments, I strive to delight customers with my whimsical illustrated homewares and original artworks.

With a BDes in Illustration from Ontario College of Art and Design University, I help businesses create a memorable presence in their communities by translating conceptual ideas into impactful public art. I have extensive experience coordinating and facilitating collaborative workshops to bring meaningful installations to life with an intergenerational audience.

I am most proud of a recent commission completed in October 2023, wrapping around the entrance of a co-op food store’s entrance with a 52 feet wide and 14 feet high mural! As an immigrant who was uprooted from Hong Kong when I was 10, I feel strongly about my identity as a Hongkonger and cites the city as a source of inspiration for many of my creative expressions.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Working in the creative field is hard work! I think many who don’t know creatives in their social circles may see the journey as a vapid dream because it’s one that we enjoy navigating through. That because we enjoy drawing, painting, photographing, writing, acting, dancing, singing, etc. that we shouldn’t or can’t ask for what we are worth monetarily, as if our personal enjoyment takes away from the value we provide. It’s easy to praise big, established players in the field for being legendary. Many don’t realize their lack of support for creatives who are working through their practices may come in the form of inconsiderate questions or comments based on stereotypical assumptions. Ask with genuine curiosity instead of biased projections!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth from networks of previous successful collaborations!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://wandycheng.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandy_cheng/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wandycheng/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQTyDdJVIDDDXkpr5mOTNrQ
• Other: Shop: https://wandycheng.square.site/

Image Credits
Surprise Karma CoOp 52′ x 14′ Wandy Cheng — Photo credit Mitul Shah.