Before we get into your work, can you just tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m Haojing — a self-taught illustrator and motion designer based in Germany. I love drawing, I love cats, and i love food and fashion.
We are curious about your past and your style. When did you get started with art, what are your preferred topics and how would you describe your style?
I loved drawing since I was very little. I could sit alone for hours just doodling in my own world. However, growing up as an only child in a traditional family in China, art was never seen as a “real” career, so I didn’t get to pursue it professionally — sometimes I was not even allowed to spend too much time drawing when I could study math or literature, hahahaha.
But I never stopped drawing. No matter where life took me, I have been through quite a lot of challenges and setbacks in my twenties, but drawing was always my safe and happy place — the thing that made me feel full and grounded when everything else felt hurtful and messy. That’s why my work gravitates toward things that bring joy and bravery: beautiful moments, delicious food, confident human beings and animals with positive attitude, and quite often also with adorable weirdness.
I wouldn’t say I have a single fixed style — I love exploring and trying new things. I used to work as a motion designer so i also love to animate my work to make them fun and full of life. If there is one thing that stays consistent is probably my lines: a little messy, a little chaotic, building up together to create something expressive and fun to watch. Just like life, the best stories we tell are usually from mess and chaos.
To be part of our project, we asked each artist to address certain topics in their designs that we should all think about more often. Can you briefly explain what your designs are about and what message you want to convey with your designs for maezen.
My designs are about celebrating yourself and life — even the tiny moments. A sip, a smile, a spark, a piece of cheese cake, a cup of warm coffee. Being positive, cheering for yourself, loving art, and toasting to the little things that make a day feel brighter.
Last question, is there one thing which is important to you that you would like to share with our community?
Keep doing what you have passion for. Sometimes it may take a longer time but ‘’little by little, one travels far’. One day, you look back and realize you’ve created something beautifully and artfully your own.
