Meet illustrator from Taipei, Cindy Wume

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hello, I am Cindy, a freelance illustrator and picture book maker. I love drawing and reading since I was a kid. My favourite picture book back then was ‘’ Where the Wild Things are’’ by Maurice Sendak.

I spend most of my time working on illustration commission and picture book projects. When I am not working, I enjoy going somewhere for drawing trips. Recently I am obsessed with plants and have a small garden at home.

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

I am from a southern city of Taiwan named Tainan and currently based in Taipei, the capital city.

Life in Taipei is quite busy but I love that there are always new and interesting things going on here. Another reason I like about it is that many friends of mine also live here so we can meet up and hang out frequently. But, sometimes I would still feel a bit tired of the life in Taipei, and I usually escape back to my hometown. Life there is quite peaceful and relaxing. My parents own a piece of land and plant lots of different things. I like going there to explore the uniqueness and beauty of each plant with them.

Life in Taipei is quite busy but I love that there are always new and interesting things going on here. Another reason I like about it is that many friends of mine also live here so we can meet up and hang out frequently.

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

The best thing about Taipei is the convenience and the worst part is the weather here because it rains a lot.

The best thing about Tainan is the food and the worst thing might be the inconvenience of traveling to different locations.

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

Taipei: Challenging, vivid, hodge-podge
Tainan: Relaxing, lovely, cozy

How did you start your career in art?

I studied languages and literature for my bachelor’s degree but I decided to follow my passion for illustration and drawing so I went to the U.K to study Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. After graduating, I started working as an illustrator and happy to work on picture book projects since then.

I studied languages and literature for my bachelor’s degree but I decided to follow my passion for illustration and drawing so I went to the U.K to study Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art. After graduating, I started working as an illustrator and happy to work on picture book projects since then.

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

Yes, my parents and friends are all so encouraging and supportive.

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

My goal is to create the stories that kids would feel touched and still remember them even after they grow up.

My goal is to create the stories that kids would feel touched and still remember them even after they grow up.

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

I would love to work with anyone sharing similar values with me or the ones who see themselves in my works.

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

I think it would be the ‘’communication’’ part. I am still learning how to clearly express myself as working with clients from numerous backgrounds.

Independent, inspiring and lovely.

How would you describe the women around you?

Independent, inspiring and lovely.

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

Though my mum doesn’t work as a creative but she has a great influence on me.
She worked as a principal of the nursery school since I was a kid. She is a caring, independent, and responsible person. I feel inspired to see her being confident throughout her career and would love to be a strong woman just like her.

Trust ourselves and be curious.

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

Trust ourselves and be curious.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

Some of my favourite singers are Passenger, Birdy, Cigarettes after Sex and Youmou & Ohana.

What’s your favorite local food spot?

I think it’s hard to choose a favourite one. But I love going to a local cafe named ‘’ Elsewhere’’ because they sell various picture books in the store and their cake is tasty.

Sofie Lee asks: Do you think AI would replace us in the future?

I am not sure but I guess it’s hard because we could always create some new things and ideas.

Little Oil asks: What is your most unforgettable memory so far?

My trip to India when I was around 20 years old. The most unforgettable part of that trip was the experience of riding camels and sleeping in the desert for three days. I felt amazed seeing the whole sky full of stars there and loved the tranquility to be alone in that wild place.

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

What do you love to do when you are not working?

Photos courtesy of Cindy Wume