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Interview with an Illustrator
Decue Wu
What led you to become an illustrator?
I've always loved drawing since I was a child. It's my biggest passion, so I chose to become an illustrator to turn what I love into my career.
Did you study illustration in college?
I studied digital media in film during college, but then I changed my path and enrolled in an illustration program at MICA for my master's degree.
Where did you grow up?
Shenzhen, China.
Do you have a childhood memory relating to drawing that you hold dear?
Yes, when I was a kid, I loved drawing and did it well enough that my elementary school teacher invited me to her after-school drawing program for tutoring. I won a lot of awards at school for my drawings.
Where do you live now and what drew you there?
I love Los Angeles for its weather, diverse culture, food, and the beautiful Southern California scenery.
Describe your studio for us
I am lucky enough to have my own studio space at home where I work remotely. I have a 22’’ Cintiq, which I use to create most of my illustrations. I've decorated my studio with illustration artwork and products that I love to keep me inspired and encouraged.
Do you have a studio pet?
Yes, my cat Sashimi is my biggest muse and inspiration, you see her a lot in my work.
Who or What is your biggest inspiration?
My life is my biggest inspiration. My artwork is inspired by nature, my neighborhood, the people around me, and the things I encounter daily. I recently had a daughter, and I'm sure she will appear frequently in my future drawings.
If you could collaborate with another artist or creative of any genre, living or dead, who would it be?
Picasso.
Who is your art hero?
Picasso!
Who is your design hero?
Picasso!
If you were funded for a dream artist residency, where would you go, and what would you create?
I would love to live anywhere in Europe. I'm not sure what I want to create yet, but I want to experiment with multiple mediums to find inspiration.
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
I enjoy going out into nature to relax and sketch.
What's your most prized possession and why?
My daughter.
Do you adopt any environmental habits/practices to be more sustainable?
I bring my own napkins, fork, chopsticks, and water bottle when I go out to eat.
Do you collect anything?
Yes, I love collecting different indoor plants.
What was your favourite assignment ever?
Most of my assignments are enjoyable, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Halloween countdown calendar that I created for Williams Sonoma last year.
What do you listen to when you work?
I listen to podcasts.
What is the first record you bought?
Snoopy’s Christmas album.
Who is your music hero?
Ryuichi SAKAMOTO.
If you were not an illustrator, what would you be?
Probably a painter.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Maldives.
Have you any hidden talents?
Cooking.
What is your go-to comfort food?
Cantonese food.
What movie can you watch over and over?
Annie Hall.
What is the last show you binged?
Dune.
What was the last exhibition you saw and loved?
Kerry James Marshall: Mastry MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, CA, United States 12 Mar 2017 - 03 Jul 2017.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Remember to draw wild, like a child.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Managing time effectively involves prioritizing tasks, whether big or small, to maximize productivity and efficiency.
Is there a work lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way?
Always be proactive and positive about the outcome and opportunity.
Do you have any tips/advice for other illustrators?
Don’t push yourself too hard; do your best and remember to rest and let go when needed.
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