10 Questions with Wenqing Gu
Wenqing Gu is a Baltimore-based digital illustrator whose journey from the serene streets of Huai’an, a small city in East China, to the dynamic art scene of Baltimore has profoundly shaped her creative vision. A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, Wenqing’s work is celebrated for its humor, intrigue, and uplifting qualities.
Wenqing’s art serves as a bridge between cultures, drawing from her experiences in both China and the United States to explore universal emotions. Her illustrations are imbued with a sense of simplicity and childlike wonder, reflecting her belief in the power of art to bring joy and healing. Through her work, she invites viewers to find happiness in the little moments of life.
An internationally recognized artist, Wenqing has received accolades from prestigious organizations such as the World Illustration Awards, Society of Illustrators, 3x3, Creative Quarterly, and Applied Arts, establishing her as a prominent figure in the world of digital illustration.
Wenqing Gu’s art is more than visual storytelling—it’s an invitation to step into a world of warmth, fun, and inspiration.
Wenqing Gu - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Wenqing Gu's artistic philosophy is grounded in the belief that "Slow is faster than stuck," a principle that deeply informs her creative journey and process. She emphasizes that success is not achieved overnight and that the path to artistic mastery is one of continuous learning, perseverance, and resilience. For Wenqing, progress—no matter how gradual—is far more meaningful than stagnation. She firmly believes that as long as one keeps moving forward, success will follow.
In 2021, Wenqing made a transformative decision to leave her career in accounting and dedicate herself entirely to illustration, a field she had long been passionate about. This leap of faith marked not only a career change but also a profound personal evolution. Illustration became her outlet for creativity and self-expression, allowing her to embrace a sense of freedom she had not experienced in her previous profession.
The transition to a new artistic career was not without its challenges. Wenqing faced the daunting task of building her portfolio, carving out a unique artistic voice, and establishing herself in a competitive field. However, these challenges became opportunities for growth. They taught her the importance of perseverance, the value of authenticity, and the transformative power of pursuing one's passion.
What distinguishes Wenqing's work is her ability to convey warmth and joy through her light-hearted and healing artistic style. Her art reflects her love for life and resonates deeply with audiences, bringing a sense of peace and happiness to those who experience it. She takes pride in the way her creations connect with people on a personal level, offering moments of solace and delight.
Wenqing's focus on children's books and products stems from her belief in art's ability to positively shape young minds. Her whimsical, humorous, and heartfelt illustrations are crafted to inspire love, friendship, and a sense of connection. She aspires to empower children through her work, providing them with stories and imagery that nurture their imagination and emotional growth.
For Wenqing, art is a journey of continuous evolution—a celebration of resilience and steady progress. Her work is a testament to the idea that moving forward, no matter the pace, is always more rewarding than standing still. Through her illustrations, she shares this philosophy, bringing joy and inspiration to both children and adults alike.
Big Belly, soft sculpture, 40x40x60 inches, 2024 © Wenqing Gu
INTERVIEW
You grew up in Huai'an, China, and later moved to Baltimore, USA. How did these two cities influence your artistic journey and creative vision?
Growing up in Huai'an, a city steeped in history and culture, gave me a strong foundation for my artistic journey. The peaceful surroundings and traditional way of life taught me to notice and appreciate the small, meaningful details in everyday life. I often found inspiration in nature, local festivals, and the close-knit sense of community. These early experiences shaped my creativity, and that warmth and authenticity still come through in my work.
When I moved to Baltimore, everything changed. The city's vibrant and diverse creative community pushed me to see things from new perspectives and experiment with modern techniques. The energy of the city, its mix of cultures, and its urban landscapes encouraged me to blend my Chinese roots with contemporary ideas. This mix of tradition and modernity has become the core of how I create and tell stories today.
What inspired you to transition from a career in accounting to illustration, and how have your experiences and training contributed to this change?
For years, I worked in accounting—a stable, logical profession—but I always felt something was missing. I had a constant longing for self-expression and creativity. I realized that art had always been my true passion, something that brought me comfort and joy. Making the decision to switch from accounting to illustration wasn't easy, but at some point, I knew I wanted to create work that connected with people on an emotional level. The turning point came when I realized life is too short to ignore what truly makes you happy.
Surprisingly, my background in accounting has helped my artistic journey in unexpected ways. Accounting taught me to be analytical, detail-oriented, and persistent—skills that now play a big role in my creative process. I also committed to self-learning, diving into design principles, digital tools, and storytelling techniques. This constant experimentation helped me build a solid foundation as an illustrator. Through this transition, I've learned that creativity and discipline aren't opposites; they can work together to create something meaningful.
Embracing the Inner Child 1, digital, 19x14 inches, 2024 © Wenqing Gu
Human-Machine Concerto, digital, 20x20 inches, 2023 © Wenqing Gu
Digital illustration is your primary medium. What drew you to this format, and how does it allow you to express your artistic vision?
Digital illustration drew me in because of how versatile and accessible it is. I love that I can experiment freely with colors, textures, and compositions without the limitations of traditional materials. The ability to undo, refine, and layer my work gives me the freedom and confidence to try bold ideas without fear of mistakes. Plus, digital tools make it easy to share my art instantly with people around the world, which fits perfectly with my goal of connecting across cultures and backgrounds. This medium also ties in with my passion for creating GIFs and animations. Digital tools give me the flexibility and precision to add movement and storytelling to my work. Animation helps me dive into richer, more dynamic narratives, while GIFs bring a playful, interactive element to my art. Working digitally allows me to create pieces that feel alive and engaging, making it easier to connect with people on an emotional and imaginative level.
Could you describe your creative process from conceptualization to completion? How do you ensure your work retains its uplifting and joyful essence?
My creative process usually starts with a spark of inspiration from everyday life, a memory, or a specific emotion I want to capture. I always carry a small notebook with me to jot down moments or feelings that stand out. Sometimes, I sketch a quick idea; other times, I just write a few words to hold onto the feeling. These notes become a pool of inspiration I revisit whenever I'm starting a new piece. From there, I create rough sketches, playing with different compositions and ideas until something clicks. Once I refine the sketches, I move to the digital stage, where I experiment with colors, textures, and layers. Each step involves a lot of trial and error to make sure the piece matches the vision I had in mind.
To keep my work uplifting and joyful, I use vibrant colors, playful details, and lighthearted compositions. I remind myself often of why I make art—to bring happiness and inspiration to others. Stepping back regularly helps me make sure the work still feels right emotionally. I also ask for feedback from peers to fine-tune the details. By staying connected to real moments and emotions from daily life, I aim to create art that feels personal but also universally uplifting.
Pettopia, digital, 18x13 inches, 2023 © Wenqing Gu
Your work bridges cultures and explores universal emotions. How do you balance the cultural nuances of your Chinese and American experiences in your art?
Balancing my Chinese and American experiences in my art comes naturally because both cultures are part of who I am. My Chinese background influences my work through traditional elements like motifs, symbols, and storytelling techniques that reflect my heritage. At the same time, living in America has taught me to embrace diversity and modern aesthetics, helping me create art that feels accessible to a global audience. This combination allows me to tell stories that are both personal and relatable.
I achieve this balance by focusing on universal emotions—like joy, curiosity, and nostalgia—that connect us all, regardless of where we come from. For example, I might take inspiration from a Chinese folktale but reinterpret it with modern visuals and a touch of humor. This approach lets me honor my roots while inviting people from different backgrounds to connect with the story. My goal is to celebrate cultural diversity while reminding people of the shared human experiences that bring us together.
Humor and childlike wonder are central to your illustrations. What inspired you to focus on these themes, and how do they align with your belief in art's healing power?
I've always been drawn to humor and childlike wonder because they encourage us to see the world with a playful and open heart. As a kid, I found joy in simple, magical moments—like imagining animals in the clouds or inventing stories around everyday objects. These memories stayed with me and now inspire me to fill my work with curiosity and lightheartedness. Humor, especially, feels like a universal language that can connect people and bring a sense of lightness, even during tough times.
These themes fit perfectly with my belief in art's power to heal. By focusing on joy and laughter, I hope to create a space where people can escape their worries for a moment and reconnect with their inner child. I believe art can help us heal by reminding us of life's simple pleasures and encouraging us to embrace imperfections. Sometimes, a bit of playfulness is all we need to lift our spirits and see things a little brighter.
Embracing the Inner Child 3, digital, 19x14 inches, 2024 © Wenqing Gu
The Great City Escape, digital, 32x18 inches, 2022 © Wenqing Gu
Children's books and products are a significant part of your portfolio. What drives your passion for creating art that inspires young minds?
Children have this incredible ability to be curious, imaginative, and open to endless possibilities. Creating for them feels deeply rewarding because art can nurture that sense of wonder and inspire them to dream big. When I work on projects for children, I often think about the stories and images that sparked my imagination when I was young. I want to pass along that same magic and sense of possibility to the next generation. I once came across a quote that stuck with me: 'Can children's books change the world? No. But the children who read them can.' That perfectly captures why I do what I do. The stories and visuals kids grow up with help shape how they see the world, influencing their values, creativity, and sense of empathy. Through my work, I hope to spark joy, curiosity, and kindness, showing children that the world is fullof possibilities. Knowing that my art might leave a lasting impression on a child's life is what fuels my passion and keeps me dedicated to this craft.
Your artistic philosophy emphasizes steady progress. How has this belief guided your growth, and what advice would you offer to aspiring artists facing challenges in their journey?
The idea that 'slow is faster than stuck' has guided me throughout my artistic journey. It reminds me to focus on steady, consistent progress instead of rushing to achieve some perfect end result. This approach has helped me get throughmoments of doubt and frustration by shifting my attention from perfection to the process itself. It also encourages me to embrace learning, experimenting, and making mistakes—all of which are crucial for growth.
To aspiring artists, I'd say don't fear failure; it's a normal and necessary part of the journey. Set small, manageable goals and celebrate each step forward, no matter how tiny it seems. Trust that every bit of progress brings you closer to your vision. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, stay curious, and be patient with yourself. Growth often happens quietly in the moments you least expect. Keep going, and you'll get there.
Exhibition view, 2024 © Wenqing Gu
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you are particularly excited about, and what can your audience look forward to in the near future?
I'm currently working on a set of children's puzzle toys that blend storytelling with creative play. Each puzzle is designedto spark curiosity and imagination while encouraging kids to engage hands-on. This project is close to my heart, and I can't wait to share it. I hope these puzzles give children a fun and meaningful way to interact with art and stories. I'm also excited that my artwork Beneath the Masks will be showcased in an exhibition in Venice. This piece touches on themes of authenticity and self-expression, and it's an honor to have it displayed on such a prestigious international stage.
These projects feel like an important step in my journey, and I'm looking forward to creating more work that inspires connection, joy, and creativity.
How do you envision your work evolving, and are there new themes or mediums you'd like to explore?
I see my work evolving toward more intricate narratives and interactive experiences. Animation is something I'm especially excited to explore further because it allows me to bring my characters and stories to life in dynamic ways. I'm also eager to experiment with augmented reality and digital installations to create immersive experiences that let audiences engage with my art in entirely new ways.
As for themes, I want to dig deeper into subjects like identity, mental health, and sustainability while still keeping the uplifting spirit that runs through my work. These themes feel more relevant than ever, and I believe they can resonate deeply when approached with empathy and creativity. My goal is to keep growing as an artist, expanding into new mediums and ideas while staying true to my mission of spreading joy and inspiration.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.
