In Full Color: A Chat with Illustrator Jessie Wong

Say hello to Jessie Wong, an illustrator who’s made her way from Hong Kong to the world stage, fueled by her love for animals, flowers, and the colorful cultures that inspire her. Jessie’s style is all about bringing fantasy to life, with vibrant pieces that make you stop and feel something. Whether she’s drawing inspiration from her surroundings or crafting a story through her work, Jessie knows how to connect with people on a deeper level. In this chat, she shares how she stays inspired, the tools she can’t live without, and a glimpse into her creative world.

Lorem Ipsum: How did your story with illustration begin? Walk us through it.

Jessie: My journey with illustration began in childhood when I found joy in drawing my favorite cartoon characters. Over time, this hobby turned into a passion. I studied art in school and continued to develop my skills, leading me to pursue a career as an illustrator. The moment I realized I could tell stories and evoke emotions through my art was truly transformative.

LI: What inspires you when it comes to crafting your pieces?

J: Inspiration comes from many places: everyday moments, nature, architecture, and the vibrant culture of where I’m living at the moment. I aim to capture the beauty and essence of these influences in my work. Often, a walk through the bustling streets or a quiet moment in a park can spark an idea that I develop into a full piece.

LI: How do you overcome creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

J: When I hit a creative block, I take a break to do something different, like going for a walk or exploring new places. I also find that revisiting old sketchbooks or trying out new mediums can spark fresh ideas. Sometimes, simply stepping away from the project and returning with fresh eyes can make all the difference.

LI: What are your favorite tools or mediums to work with? Do you have any rituals – like listening to your favorite album when working on a project, or something like that?

J: Procreate and Adobe Illustrator are my go-to tools for digital work because of their versatility and wide range of features. For traditional pieces, I love using crayon and acrylic gouache; they allow me to play with texture and vibrant colors. I usually start my day with a cup of hot tea, and I enjoy listening to upbeat music or inspiring podcasts while I work. This helps me stay motivated and keeps my creative juices flowing.

LI: How has your technique evolved over the years?

J: My technique has evolved significantly since I started. Initially, I focused on finding my own style, experimenting with different mediums and techniques. Over the years, I’ve become more confident in blending digital and traditional methods, allowing me to create unique pieces that tell a story. Each project has taught me something new, pushing me to refine my skills and approach.

LI: How would you describe your style as an illustrator?

J: I would describe my style as a blend of vibrant colors, detailed patterns, and a sense of wonder. I aim to create pieces that evoke nostalgia and make the ordinary look extraordinary. My work is designed to spark reflection and connection, allowing my audience to think about their own moments and experiences when they see my illustrations.

LI: What would you say is the hardest thing about being a working artist in the current landscape of the industry?

J: The hardest part is staying relevant and standing out in a saturated market. Balancing creative work with the business side of being an artist, like marketing and client management, can also be challenging. The constant need to innovate and adapt to new trends while staying true to my artistic vision is a delicate balance.

LI: Name your 3 favorite illustrators/artists of all time.

J:

• Sarah Lasater: Her charming and simple style always brings a smile to my face. Her work has a way of capturing pure joy and innocence.
• Little Thunder: I admire her fabulous technical skills and the strong, expressive presence of her characters. Her work is both captivating and powerful.
• Liv Lee: I’m drawn to her vibrant and natural pattern styles, especially in her floral illustrations. Her ability to blend colors and textures creates a refreshing and lively feel.

LI: Now, let’s play ‘Fuck, Marry, Kill’ with: handmade art, digital art, AI-generated.

J: This one’s a bit tricky, but here’s my take: I’d definitely kill AI-generated art since it lacks that personal touch. If I had to choose, I’d marry handmade art—it has a special place in my heart and feels deeply personal. I’d fuck digital art, even though it’s a significant part of my work. It’s incredibly versatile and convenient, but handmade art will always have a unique charm for me.

LI: What’s your dream commission?

J: My dream commission would be creating a large-scale mural that incorporates elements of Hong Kong’s culture and history, allowing me to showcase my style on a grand canvas. It would be incredible to create something that becomes a part of the city’s landscape and speaks to the community.

LI: Any upcoming projects you wish to talk to our audience about?

J: I’m excited to share that I’m currently working on my first screen print collection, which will showcase my illustrations in a whole new light! This project is a fun new venture for me, and I’m thrilled to explore the unique textures and effects of screen printing. The collection will blend vibrant colors with intricate designs, and I can’t wait to reveal it soon. Stay tuned for more details!

Jessie’s got a real knack for blending personal stories with universal themes in her art, and it’s something that’s been part of her journey since the days of sketching cartoons as a kid. From chasing her dream of creating massive murals to diving into her latest screen print collection, she’s always exploring new ways to bring her vision to life. We’re excited to see what she comes up with next—and trust us, you’ll want to keep an eye out for this talented illustrator.

About | Jessie Wong