We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wenxuan He a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Wenxuan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I believe one of the most effective ways to speed up the learning process is to embrace experimentation across different mediums without fear. Initially, I hesitated to explore new creative processes because I was uncertain about the outcomes, which added a lot of stress to me. I mainly relied on pencils and digital tools, avoiding mediums that seemed difficult to rectify if I made mistakes. Additionally, I was a bit constrained by my identity as an illustrator, as I believed illustration is limited to drawing or painting.
However, my perspective shifted when I developed a fascination for creating textures and the interplay between 3D objects and 2D images. During my sophomore year at MICA, I took a course that encouraged experimentation with a variety of materials, including collage, needle felting, and even unconventional mediums like coffee for painting. This experience was incredibly inspiring, even when the results weren’t always what I envisioned. Each experiment offered a unique perspective and insights that traditional drawing or painting alone couldn’t provide.
I learned to extract elements I loved from each medium and incorporate them into my illustrations, which I now see as a significant part of my creative process. I later explored traditional and digital printmaking, as well as working with ceramics and wood. Although it takes a lot of time and practice to fully adopt this approach, embracing the idea of creating without the pressure of achieving perfection is a simple yet powerful mindset in artistic journey.

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 grew up in a family without any art or design background; both my parents are engineers and didn’t have a strong interest in art. However, they cultivated my creativity by buying me comics, children’s books, and illustrated encyclopedias. These early experiences opened my eyes to the art world and made me desire to create work that reflected what I loved to read. As a child, I was particularly drawn to fantasy elements, and the idea of pursuing art beyond a mere hobby began to bloom.
Although I was passionate about becoming a professional artist, I initially chose to attend a liberal arts college, where I studied general humanities. I enjoyed exploring various disciplines but didn’t feel a deep connection to any of them. It became clear to me that my true passion lay in art, prompting my transfer to MICA for professional artistic training.
My time in the humanities has enriched my artistic perspective, steering my focus towards illustrating topics related to anthropology and culture. For my undergraduate thesis, I explored the traditions surrounding dreams and sleep across different cultures, which allowed me to blend my love for illustration with meaningful research. This combined approach has been incredibly fulfilling and has shaped my artistic voice since.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had been introduced to mixed media earlier in my artistic journey. Working with various materials has significantly enhanced my ability to create different textures and explore new methods of expression. When it comes to life sketching, using mixed media has helped me become more comfortable with experimentation and embracing the unexpected. I see mixed media as an ongoing process of exploration, which I find essential for getting inspiration and pushing my creativity further.

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

Every artist has a unique style, and I find it incredibly rewarding to be recognized for my individual approach to creation. My style is shaped by my cultural background, personal experiences, the training I’ve received, the visual art that inspires me, and my aesthetic preferences. Because of this, I see my work as deeply personal. It’s especially fulfilling to know that my art that reflects my experiences and personality resonates with others. Knowing that my work can bring healing and happiness to people adds an even deeper layer of meaning to my artistic journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: wenwen.art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hewx00/

Image Credits

Personal image credit: Hope Xi
All artwork image credit: Wenxuan He