Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wenjia Wang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Wenjia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Being an artist is the most grateful things that happen to me. It is a fulfilling and rewarding pursuit for me. It allows for creative expression, the exploration of ideas, and the ability to communicate with others through various art forms. As an artists, I always find joy and satisfaction in the process of creating and sharing my work, as well as in the impact their art can have on others. Also, having the chance to delver message in my own unique visual language also help me survive the idea of Nihilism. iIt gives me a feeling that I had been in this world and my work is the evidence that I have existed.

That being said, it’s not uncommon for artists to occasionally wonder what it would be like to have a regular job. The stability, consistent income, and structured routine of a regular job can be supper appealing, especially in the art field where success can be uncertain and financial stability may fluctuate. There’s defenitly moments of doubt or uncertainty when I question my choices and wonder about the alternative path I could have taken.

But that’s just human nature, you know? People always feel curious about what they don’t have. Regardless of the path you choose, you’ll always wonder what it would be like if you had taken another route, you know what I mean?
I would rather believe that it’s important to remember that happiness and fulfillment can be found in a variety of paths, and what matters the most is pursuing a life that aligns with your passions, values, and personal definition of success, rather than constantly question about “what if.”

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.

My name is Wenjia Wang, and I’ve had a passion for art since I was a child. Completing a piece of artwork gives me a tremendous sense of accomplishment. I remember attending art classes as a kid, and I would come home excitedly showing my family what I had drawn that day, just like a show and tell. My dad would select a drawing and proudly hang it on our living room wall, which gave me a tremendous amount of motivation.

Although I initially considered drawing as just a hobby when I was younger, I never imagined it would become my major in college and later evolve into my career. It wasn’t until I came to the United States for high school that I had the time and opportunity to contemplate my future. Eventually, I made the decision to apply to art schools in addition to the comprehensive universities I had already applied to. At that time, I didn’t even have a complete portfolio. However, I decided to give it a shot as a last-minute decision close to the application deadline. I simply scanned some of my drawings and submitted them to art schools as a portfolio. Surprisingly, I received offers from four art schools. That moment changed my life, as it marked the realization of my dream to become an artist and have my artwork seen by more audience, making a small difference in the world and leaving evidence of my existence in the universe.

Nowadays, I hold a BFA and an MFA, and I work as a freelance illustrator. I create illustrations and designs for products, magazines, and books, collaborating with musicians on album covers. I also engage in collaborations with galleries. While most of my current work focuses on digital drawing, I plan to return to traditional media more in the future and continue collaborating with galleries. My artworks are often vibrant, evoking various emotions in viewers. Sometimes, they may even create a sense of discomfort, as seen in my “How do you feel” series of illustrations. By personifying organs and portraying their sensations in different environments, my goal is to elicit sensory experiences in viewers, enabling them to empathize. Another example is my “Emotion” series, where seemingly harmonious colors coexist with narratives that defy logic, such as flowers growing upside down or questioning if gold fish swimming in the air or it is an underwater scene. I hope my artworks inspire viewers to spend time reflecting and constructing their own narratives. This process may lead to different storylines being understood, which is the desired outcome for me—a connection between myself and the viewers. Please follow me on Instagram @wenjiaart or visit my website at www.wenjia-wang.com to stay updated on my latest works and updates.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I might have been a weird child, always pondering over “according to my parents” strange and unanswered questions. Questions like, “Who am I?” If I strip away societal identities such as being someone’s daughter, someone’s granddaughter, or a student at school, who am I? Why am I in this world? Is this world even real? What happens after death? What is death itself? These questions have no definitive answers, and they led me to experience an existential crisis. I yearned to leave evidence of my existence, and being an artist and a creative individual helped alleviate that sense of crisis.

I believe that as long as my artworks are seen by viewers, it’s not necessarily about influencing people’s interest in art. Even if they merely catch a glimpse of my creations, there’s a fleeting moment when what I produce intersects with the spirit of another living being in this world. And I believe, in that moment, it becomes evidence that I existed and I think that is the most rewarding aspect as a creative.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In today’s rapidly developing world, it’s impossible to ignore the prevalence of AI-generated art and the concerns expressed by many artists regarding the unauthorized use of their work for AI learning. This has sparked discussions about the potential replacement of illustrators by AI in the future.

However, I firmly believe that AI will not replace the role of artists. As an artist myself, I believe it is crucial to highlight the human creativity and the distinctive qualities of artistic expression. It is important to educate the public about the value of handmade, original, and emotionally-driven artworks, as these creations encapsulate the unparalleled experiences of being human.

Furthermore, I emphasize the necessity of promoting arts education. By strengthening arts education at all levels, we can nurture critical thinking, imagination, and creative abilities. Encouraging exploration, experimentation, and interdisciplinary approaches fosters innovation and cultivates the uniqueness of artistic expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wenjia-wang.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wenjiaart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenjia-wang-211926139/