Meet illustrator and graphic designer from Shanghai, Micco Chiu.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am Micco Chiu, an illustrator/graphic designer from Qingdao, now based in Shanghai. I have a wide range of interests and engaged in several other occupations before, like magazine art editor in Rock n Roll industry. I have been focusing on illustration and creation for nearly half a year.

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

I just moved to Shanghai more than a year ago. It is a modern metropolis, one of the most open-to-the-world-culture cities in China. Here you can take a walk along the streets with beautiful old buildings, visit independent bookstores, run along the Huangpu River or skateboard. Various art exhibitions are consecutively held here throughout the year, which is a big thing for young people’s daily life. Women usually wear fashionable clothes. Almost every two streets have a convenience store. The pace here is fast but people can still find a way to enjoy their life.

I just moved to Shanghai more than a year ago. It is a modern metropolis, one of the most open-to-the-world-culture cities in China.

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

I’m a lucky person. I cannot recall any bad experiences I have had here, but I have a lot of good memories about this city to talk about.

The best thing is that I have met some people in this city who appreciate my works and view me as their precious friends. Moreover, they encouraged me to start my career as a freelance illustrator.

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

Inclusive, inspiring and artistic.

How did you start your career in art?

I have been interested in painting since my childhood and even won several awards in my hometown. With my own will and my family’s suggestion, I chose graphic design as my major in college. After graduation, I had worked for companies for several years, but I found that designing for others was not so interesting. I wanted to paint just to express my preference, my taste and myself.

So I would say my family and my early experiences led me to start my career in art. Doing art can make the world look better and I will keep on it.

I would say my family and my early experiences led me to start my career in art. Doing art can make the world look better and I will keep on it.

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

There were not many friends around me working in the art industry, neither any of my family members. But my parents were very supportive of my choice, they thought I had a gift for painting.

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

I have been working on my own illustration product design since I was in college and looking for some market to sell. I am glad that I am back to the illustration industry again now. While looking for different kinds of cooperation in the future, I will continue to do my own original design brand and expect that it can be applied to a wider range of fields.

While looking for different kinds of cooperation in the future, I will continue to do my own original design brand and expect that it can be applied to a wider range of fields.

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

Haruki Murakami. I started to read his literature when I was in high school (and it’s been almost 15 years lol). I always feel I am the strange girl in his novels. It would be great if I could have the opportunity to create book covers and illustrations for him. Besides, I also hope to cooperate with some rock bands, because rock music is also part of my life.

How would you describe the women around you?

This is a very difficult question to answer. Women around me have very different lifestyles. China is in an era when tradition and new ideas blend together. More and more women are choosing to marry later or not to have children. They want to devote more time to work and sports and just to live for themselves.

China is in an era when tradition and new ideas blend together.

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

May not have a specific person. I am interested in a lot of forms of art including but not limited to illustration, photography, music, film, literature… But there is usually not enough information on the creators or the creation’s backgrounds. So I am very grateful that Girlsclub Asia made such a good project, which enables me to absorb different knowledge and helps me to better become an artist.

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

I do not think there is any for me because I am a single woman and actually have more time to spend on creation without being interrupted by trivia. But for the married women in this industry and especially those who have children, it might be hard for them to continue their career in art as women in China usually have to do entire household and take care of children, which is absolutely unfair but need to take time to change the situation.

Dare to do and find your own talent and the things you love!

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

Dare to do and find your own talent and the things you love! Figure out themes you want to create as soon as possible and accumulate works because it will lay a good foundation if you want to become a freelance artist. Last but not least, as long as you make efforts, it will certainly pay off.

Photos courtesy of Micco Chiu.