Meet illustrator, cartoonist and picture book author from Taiwan, Asta Wu.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Asta Wu and I’m an illustrator, cartoonist and picture book author from Taiwan. I like to create stories when going jogging and swimming and I love to draw illustrations about folklore and myths. I didn’t decide to become an illustrator until I was in my twenties.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I am now living in my home town, Taipei. It’s a small city which is full of impatient people and slow works. Yet you always can have fun meeting this combination.

I like to create stories when going jogging and swimming and I love to draw illustrations about folklore and myths. I

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing living in Taipei is having my own pace in life. I can take my own time and plan everything I want to do and see. I have the freedom to write, to speak and to draw. The worst thing maybe the weather. Taipei rains a lot and has considerably high humidity.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Challenging, energetic, persevering.

How did you start your career in art?

When I was a child I wanted to be a writer. After graduating from college, I took a trip to Osaka, Japan and something has changed for good.

At that time, Tove Jansson’s exhibition was staged at the Abeno Harukas Art Museum, and I was delighted to see her works because she’s my favorite artist. When I went back to Taiwan, I told myself that I want to be an artist just like her.

Drawing has been my hobby this whole time, yet I have never thought about becoming an illustrator and make a living of it. I kept a day job in a company for 1.5 years and one day I quit my job to become a full-time freelance illustrator to this day.

When I was a child I wanted to be a writer. After graduating from college, I took a trip to Osaka, Japan and something has changed for good.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

In the beginning, my parents worried about my decision but they still believe in me. I think I am a lucky person because my parents, brother, and close friends all supported me and cheered me up.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

To take good care of myself and focus more on the history of Taiwan and other contemporary issues.

To take good care of myself and focus more on the history of Taiwan and other contemporary issues.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

I can’t only choose one! I wish I could collaborate with Tom Hiddleston, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jessica Walsh, and Sigrid.

How would you describe the women around you?

They are strong and beautiful, modern and traditional. They influence me a lot and I try to be a better person just like them.

They are strong and beautiful, modern and traditional.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

I was a self- taught illustrator so I didn’t have the chance to grow up with creatives. Therefore, I like to join some creative activities and meet female creators from various fields.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Some of my friends are struggling with their family and their business while some are dealing with personal style and works. I think it’s hard for many female artists to find a balance between self and work because society tends to expect a married woman to be a so-called ‘married woman’, which means she has to give up something eventually. For me, I want to break this role and live my own life.

Never stop learning and always fight for yourself.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Never stop learning and always fight for yourself.

Photos courtesy of Asta Wu.