Conversations with Freesia Zhuang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Freesia Zhuang.

Hi Freesia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a digital illustrator who specializes in visual storytelling. My journey began simply out of personal interest and a love for Japanese anime—I just started drawing and, almost by chance, never stopped. However, it was only after finishing my undergrad in environmental architecture that I realized my true calling was to commit fully to making art. That’s what brought me to the MFA Illustration program at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). At the same time, I’ve been steadily building my career as a freelance illustrator, showing my work at various art fairs and taking on numerous client commissions.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Before MICA, my main struggle was being stuck in a major I didn’t love. I was constantly exhausted and had no time to make art, which was genuinely agonizing on a daily basis. After I got my degree, I took a full year to reset emotionally, get back into drawing, and retrain my brain to think creatively. Coming to the States brought a new hurdle regarding my direction. I found myself torn: should I stick strictly to my own personal aesthetic and interests, or should I adapt to the US market to gain more visibility?

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love telling stories through illustration series, especially when they follow a journey. When I create, I focus on building interesting spaces, and I use retro, flat decorative elements to dive into these dreamy, surreal narratives. You can still see hints of the Japanese culture that influenced me early on, but through a lot of intentional work on my aesthetic, it’s grown into a distinct visual system that really sets my art apart.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that embracing calculated risks is a necessary part of professional growth. From a positive perspective, risk equates to opportunity—it can be a chance to break free from a stagnant situation, or a catalyst for rediscovering yourself. However, if a risk is driven solely by a blind pursuit of achievement, or if it clearly exceeds your capacity to handle the consequences, then it becomes truly dangerous.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://freesiazhuang.cargo.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freesia22222?igsh=MW9reGRyMm1pejIxZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr