Today we’d like to introduce you to Zhenyu0306@gmail.com 8828181
Hi zhenyu0306@gmail.com, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Ningbo, China, where my love for picture books began. As a child, I was captivated by their vibrant colors, whimsical shapes, and expressive characters, especially the dreamlike worlds of Jimmy Liao (幾米). His books transported me into new realms, fueling my imagination and deepening my love for storytelling through images. I would lose myself in his books, tracing the details of his illustrations and imagining what it would be like to step into those fantastical scenes.
Moving to New York was a turning point. The city’s confidence, individuality, and energy captivated me. Here, people embrace their uniqueness, and that openness inspired me to pursue what I love most—picture book illustration. Along the way, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have mentors and friends who have supported me, helping me grow as an artist and storyteller. With that support, I started pushing the boundaries of picture book illustration, experimenting with different formats and mediums to create stories that truly reflect my voice. Over the past year, some of my illustrations have received recognition from competitions like 3×3 Magazine, JIA Illustration Award, Hiii Illustration, and iJungle, which has been incredibly rewarding.
In addition to my own work, I co-founded Pretty Wishes with two close friends. Pretty Wishes is a press dedicated to supporting female illustrators and sharing our voices and ideas with the world. Through this collaboration, we aim to build a platform where artists can connect, exchange stories, and amplify the creative work of women in the illustration community. Our publications are available online and in stores like Printed Matter in New York, bringing our vision to a wider audience.
At the heart of everything I create is the same wonder I felt as a child flipping through those illustrated books—the magic of storytelling through images and the joy of bringing a world to life on a page.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No road is ever completely smooth, and every challenge I’ve faced has shaped who I am today.
One of my biggest creative challenges has been working across different mediums. I love experimenting with various materials and printmaking techniques, but every new process comes with a learning curve. For example, when creating The Great Blue Yonder, a book entirely made through silkscreen printing, I had to navigate the technical difficulties of accurate registration and layering colors. No prints are ever 100% perfect, but I’ve come to see those imperfections as part of what makes printmaking unique.
Beyond creative challenges, there’s also the reality of finding opportunities. In a city like New York, securing stable work isn’t easy, and there were moments when I questioned myself. But instead of letting that uncertainty hold me back, I kept exploring new possibilities. I started integrating my illustration skills into different fields, working on marketing projects, collaborating on product designs, and co-founding Pretty Wishes Magazine—a platform dedicated to supporting female illustrators and fostering a creative community.
I don’t confine myself to just one path as a freelance illustrator. I embrace everything that excites me, whether publishing, design, or something entirely new. I’m still pursuing what I love, but I’ve also learned to stay open to unexpected opportunities. Right now, that balance feels like the best place for me to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Most of my time is dedicated to narrative illustration, especially picture books. I love experimenting with different mediums, using bright colors and unique compositions to tell stories through imagery. To me, the format of a book is not just a container for illustrations—it’s an essential part of the storytelling itself. I’m constantly exploring how the physical form of a book can interact with visual narratives, enhancing the way a story is experienced. I enjoy working with different types of picture books and finding ways to make the book’s format an active part of the storytelling.
I’m most proud of my two books—Hope and Chef Sloth—which both have received incredibly encouraging awards. I continue to create books as a form of artistic expression and as part of my ongoing passion for storytelling and exploration. My biggest hope is that my illustrations bring joy and energy to people, making them feel a sense of warmth and connection. That emotional impact is far more meaningful than any commercial success.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I feel incredibly lucky to have met so many important people who have supported me throughout my journey—mentors, friends, and family. Riccardo Vecchio played a significant role in shaping my artistic approach. He encouraged me to experiment with different mediums and taught me the philosophy of color, guiding me in developing my sense of color and composition. Another key mentor is Eugenia Mello, whose teachings ignited my passion for picture books. She helped me solidify my dream of pursuing this path, and her support has always been selfless—whenever I start a new book, I turn to her for guidance and discussion. Along the way, many other professors have also supported and inspired me, and though I can’t name them all here, I carry deep gratitude for each of them.
Of course, I also have my Pretty Wishes team—Phoebe and Huilin- who are my friends and collaborators. Each of us plays a unique role in the magazine, and none of it would be possible without the others. This team means a lot to me—not just as work partners but also as friends who support and motivate each other in life. We stay passionate and dedicated, and through this community, we hope to create more opportunities for illustrators to gain visibility and connect with a larger audience!
Pricing:
- Pretty Wishes Magazine $12.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zhenyupan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhenyu.pann/
- Other: https://www.phoebepaper.com/pretty-wishes-issue-01
Image Credits
Nir Arieli (Portrait Photo)
