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

Hi, I’m Xuetong Wang—a Chinese artist and illustrator who finds joy in the everyday. 

I love telling stories through playful, expressive drawings that feel light, a little imperfect, and full of colour. My art is often inspired by the small things: travelling, reading, resting, and noticing the quiet beauty in daily life.I earned my MFA in Illustration Practice from MICA and have been lucky to share my work in places like New York, Paris, London, and Milan. Along the way, I’ve also collaborated with brands like Marimekko, Nike, Google, Adobe, and Shiseido.

At the heart of it all, I draw to express how I feel—free, curious, and always a little in wonder.

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 Fluttering Poem is inspired by my upcoming personal exhibition this spring. In this design, I’ve created a series of spring garden characters—flowers and butterflies—that reflect my lifestyle of traveling, reading, relaxing, and drawing. Each character embodies the simple pleasures of my everyday life.

How does creativity connect to self-expression for you?

For me, creativity is the purest form of self-expression. It’s how I communicate my inner thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

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

I don’t usually like putting labels on myself because I’m constantly evolving. But at my core, I embrace imperfection, playful ideas, and a vibrant, colorful approach to life. These values naturally manifest in my work, bringing a sense of joy and freedom to things I create.

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

I believe creativity is a direct window into how a person sees the world—their unique perspective and way of expression. Every individual has their own special way of interpreting life, which makes every creative idea distinct. Creativity allows people to express themselves authentically and connect with others on a deeper level.

When I started focusing more on creativity rather than just technique, I found that my work resonated more—not only with others but also with myself. It became a true reflection of who I am.

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?

When I was in art school—and for a year or two after graduating—my main focus was taking on as many commissions as I could. I believed clients preferred digital work, and at the time, a clean digital style was especially popular in the U.S. illustration market. So, I committed myself to mastering that technique.

But over time, I realised I was losing my passion for art. Drawing began to feel mechanical, and I wasn’t creating for myself anymore—I was simply following trends. It left me feeling disconnected from my own work.

That’s when I started to ask myself what I genuinely loved. I gave myself the freedom to experiment, to let go of expectations, and to create without overthinking. In doing so, I gradually rediscovered my passion—and, more importantly, found my own artistic voice.

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

The most important thing is be yourself, find out who you are, what do you like, don’t force yourself into a certain style just because it’s trendy or widely accepted. Instead, focus on what excites you, what makes you curious, and what you truly love to create.

Try different mediums, techniques, and subjects without worrying about whether they fit into a defined style. Over time, patterns will start to appear in your work.

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

Create more for myself.

Where can we see more of your work?

Personal Website: tongw.me
Instagram: @xuetong_wang_