We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wanlissa Nuntasukon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wanlissa below.
Wanlissa, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I’ve loved art since I was a child, but in Thailand, being an artist is often seen as something that doesn’t bring in a steady income. Because of that, I chose to study Graphic Design in university instead. It turned out to be a great decision. I really enjoyed it, especially the parts that involved illustration and typography. For a while, I thought I had found the perfect path for myself. But then, two years ago, I hit a wall and experienced burnout. That’s when I realized I needed to make a change. I decided to quit my job and take a chance on my dream, even at the age of 36. It felt like the right time to finally pursue what I truly love, which is to be an artist.
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 art journey started off really simply. I’ve always loved doodling on the computer, using Photoshop to create anything from figurative pieces to abstract designs. My work has always had an optimistic feel, focusing on the positive side of life and often inspired by simple living and nature. My mission is to spread the joy. I would share my art on Instagram or print it out to display.
One time, I printed a few pieces and decided, just as a casual idea, to sell them on Instagram, mostly just to share with my friends. To my surprise, I ended up getting over 300 orders within just two weeks! That’s when I realized it might actually be something more than a hobby. From there, I started receiving commissions and getting involved in art exhibitions. It felt like the perfect sign to take my art career to the next level.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I started my art career by chance, never really expecting much from it. I thought of it as a “trial period,” just something to explore. In the beginning, everything was pretty laid-back, but over time, the financial side of things made me realize I had to take it more seriously, since it was becoming my main source of income. That’s when things started to get tough.
For me, stress has been the biggest creative block. There were so many things I wish I had known earlier, especially how to treat art as a business when you’re not working a full-time job. Passion alone isn’t enough—making a living, taking care of your mental health, and handling failure are just as important. Along the way, I’ve read so many books that have helped me through the tough times, and I’ve learned how crucial a support system is. I’m incredibly thankful for that.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I have a few books that have really impacted me, but my absolute favorite is “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle. This book was a true wake-up call for me. Being an artist isn’t easy, but Untamed gave me the courage to really live—to fully embrace life, even when it feels uncertain. It encouraged me to believe in myself and reminded me that sometimes, all you need to do is at least try. It’s about taking those first steps, even when things are tough, and trusting that it’s okay to be unapologetically me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wanlissa.com
- Instagram: wanlissa
