Specializing in character design, comics and children book illustration, Wei Li Wonka has the most whimsical art style.
Her artwork is super vibrant & adorable – check this interview out and you’ll get what we mean!
Hello Wei Li! Tell us more about yourself! What do you do full time?
Hello! I’m a full time freelancer and a part-time art teacher for high school students in a small academy.
Share with us your journey as an artist & illustrator! When did you first discover your passion for drawing/illustration?
I think I’ve always loved drawing and to be honest, I fell further in love with exploring more avenues in art only during my college days as I wasn’t as exposed to different art other than anime / Disney when I was younger.
Why the pseudonym ‘Weili Wonka’? So adorable!
My pseudonym simply came from an overlapping of a favourite character from an author that was sort of like me , who enjoyed crazy ideas and a definite love for candy as well a similarity in the sound of my name. (Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , Roald Dahl ) I also did picked a name that a general audience would be familiar with and would be able to remember easily. To tie it all in together, my plans in the future is to make my own children books as well.
Tell us your art essentials!
It really depends on the day and time. Currently my favourites are brush pens (pentel + pigma BB)
On a daily basis, how are you inspired to create art?
I think it differs day to day, but I find myself drawing almost everyday in one way or another. Whether seriously or casually. Either small doodles or sketching absentmindedly, it’s almost become a natural habit.
Tell us a random fact about yourself!
I have a large LARGE LARGE variety of ribbons that I can pick and choose from since it’s my must have accessory. Around 67 and growing.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Eccentric. Loud . Ribbon.
In your words, what is art?
For me personally, art has always been a means of communicating and expressing myself. A language in itself that can have an impact on others even though it was a small message to or for yourself initially.
Any exciting projects coming up?
I’ve been planning a number of zines (comics) as well as a number of thematic projects.
Other than drawing, what is a typical day in your life?
Eating, cooking, hanging out with friends and family. Or sometimes when I’m feeling good, exercising.
Any life mottos?
Everything happens for a reason.
Who is your all time inspiration in life?
To be honest, I’m not sure how to answer that. I guess for me life itself is an inspiration to me!
What is the ideal weekend for you?
Playing board games or maybe something active and aggressive like mountain climbing or kickboxing (when I’m good) with friends and just having a good laugh and chat over a good meal!
Tell us what makes you smile the most?
FOOD ALWAYS MAKES ME SMILE. (but of course we’re talking about tasty food!)
Where do you see yourself in 2 years’ time?
In 2 years time, I see myself freelancing and travelling between UK and Malaysia as I’m currently building a network there. Maybe I’ll have 200 ribbons by then and also probably loads more new zines with different style explorations.
Find out more of Wei Li Wonka’s artwork here:
Website
