We were lucky to catch up with Ziruo Wang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ziruo, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

During my first year of graduate school, I took a leave of absence due to health reasons, which allowed me to fully focus on my illustration career. I started selling my artwork online, showcasing it at art festivals, and turning it into merchandise. Throughout this journey, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and mentor.

Though my family has no background in art, they wholeheartedly support me. My mother helps with packaging and shipping, often worrying about logistics more than I do. My friends accompany me to exhibitions, assist with booth management, and share in both the challenges and joys of the process. My mentor encouraged me to view this entrepreneurial experience as part of my creative growth, helping me realize that business is also a form of artistic expression.

I deeply appreciate their support but see it as a gift, not an obligation. Entrepreneurship should be driven by one’s own efforts, with loved ones as a guiding wind, not the sole force behind it. This journey has not only grown my business but also strengthened my connections with those around me, proving that creativity and entrepreneurship are never truly solitary pursuits.

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.

Since childhood, drawing has been my way of expressing emotions and imagination. Being able to turn my passion into a career is something I feel incredibly fortunate about. Currently, I work as an illustrator, creating artwork for publications, merchandise, and brand collaborations. I also sell my original products online, participate in art fairs, and provide visual design for game companies and brands.

My work is more than just visual presentation—it carries stories and emotions. I love creating characters with atmosphere and narrative depth, allowing viewers to resonate with them on a deeper level. What makes me most proud is hearing from people who have been inspired by my art, rediscovering their love for creativity.

I am committed to originality, using my work to convey warmth, thoughts, and perspectives. To me, illustration is not just about commercial art; it is a form of emotional expression. In the future, I hope to create more pieces that truly touch people’s hearts, crafting a world beyond the canvas—one where viewers can find comfort and a place for their spirit to rest.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to convey emotions through my work and establish a deep connection with my audience. Creating art is not just a form of self-expression; it is also a way of communication. When my artwork resonates with someone, brings them comfort, or even gives them strength, I feel that my creativity has real value.

I also cherish the sense of freedom and exploration that comes with the creative process. Every piece I create is a new journey, allowing me to experiment with different styles, colors, and narratives. This constant growth and discovery keep my passion for art alive and my curiosity ever-growing.

What touches me the most is hearing from people who say that my work has rekindled their love for drawing or brought them a sense of warmth during difficult times. These moments make me realize that art is more than just visual expression—it is a bridge of emotions. Knowing that my creations can be a small light in someone’s life is what makes being an illustration artist truly meaningful to me.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media has been a gradual process. In the beginning, I simply shared my personal illustration works, mainly supported by friends and family. Over time, I focused on creating works with a unique style and attracted more viewers through interactive methods, such as sharing the creative process and hosting small art challenges.
The key takeaway has been consistency and authenticity. Audiences appreciate seeing the real you, not just your artwork. Therefore, building an emotional connection with them is crucial. For those just starting, my advice is to be patient, stay true to your style, engage sincerely with your audience, and share the creative process and the stories behind your work. Over time, this can help build a supportive and engaged community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ziora_w
• Twitter: YIN_0909

Image Credits

All image sources: Ziora