Can you tell us more about you and what you do?

Born in Shanghai in 1979, Peng Kai works in advertising creativity and actively collaborates with renowned brands and companies both in China and abroad. In 2022, he held a solo exhibition titled Every Person in Shanghai. In 2024, he presented another solo show, The Mood, at Kai Ji Teahouse in Shanghai, which received positive acclaim. He later participated in Saga Art Week in Saga, Japan, where he also held a solo exhibition, and began a collaboration with the Japanese fashion brand Freak’s Store. His work has attracted considerable attention both domestically and internationally.

Every artwork tells a story. What inspired your cover design, what narrative or message are you conveying through your cover design, and can you share the creative process that led to its final form?

The cover design was inspired by quiet, fleeting moments when I was on the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo, A girl was sitting next to me and watching outside—those small scenes that often go unnoticed but carry emotion and meaning. I wanted to capture a sense of stillness and human connection, using a simple composition and subtle details to invite the viewer to pause and reflect.

I started with observing real-life situations, sketching loosely from memory and photographs. I refined the concept through several iterations, focusing on mood and balance rather than complexity.

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

For me, creativity is a direct form of self-expression—it’s how I process the world and communicate emotions I can’t always put into words. Through drawing, I share my thoughts, humor, and perspective in a way that feels honest and personal. It’s less about showing skill, and more about showing who I am.

How do you define your individuality as an artist, and in what ways does this uniqueness manifest in your creations?

I define my individuality as an artist through a deep sensitivity to everyday life and a desire to tell personal, human-centered stories. My work often draws from real moments—quiet, humorous, or emotionally charged—and transforms them into visual narratives that people can relate to. I avoid overly polished or artificial aesthetics, instead leaning into a hand-drawn, slightly imperfect quality that reflects sincerity. This approach gives my illustrations a sense of intimacy and authenticity, which I think sets them apart.

In your perspective, what role does creativity play in empowering individuals and communities, and how have you witnessed this power in action?

I’ve seen its power in how people connect with my work, especially when it reflects shared experiences. It creates dialogue, fosters empathy, and can even spark collective pride or healing. That connection is what makes creativity truly powerful.

Have you faced any challenges in maintaining your individuality in your work, especially in the face of trends or external expectations? How did you overcome them?

Yes, I have. It’s easy to feel pressure to follow trends, especially in commercial work. But I always return to what feels honest to me—drawing from real life and personal emotion.

What advice would you give to emerging artists who are trying to find and express their individuality through their work?

Your style is like your back—you can never see it yourself, only others can. So don’t worry too much about style.

What’s the one thing you want to accomplish this year?

I still have over a dozen books I want to finish this year—let’s go for it!

Where can we see more of your work?

You can find me on Instagram: pkpkppk—follow along to catch glimpses of my life and work.