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InspirationIllustration

Fan Wu's soft and playful illustrations bring back the fun of childhood

If you're always on the hunt for new illustration talent, then look no further than Fan Wu – an up-and-coming illustrator and graphic designer who's really making a name for himself in the industry. Soft, playful and with a strong sense of nostalgia, his plump, happy characters have graced the pages of Esquire magazine as well as various children's books since he went freelance six years ago.

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A stylised nighttime room scene in shades of blue featuring a full moon, vintage television, birdcage, clock and a smiling character's face in the corner

Originally from Beijing, China, and now living in Michigan, Fan is a recent graduate of Kendall College of Art & Design and has already won numerous accolades and merits. Describing the materials he likes to use, he said: "I like to work digitally for the final presentation. It’s much more convenient, cleaner and easier to edit, but I always begin with drawing on paper. I still have the habit of carrying a sketchbook around with me. Sometimes I like to switch things and work with traditional techniques, such as watercolour, ink or pencil. It can give me different ideas and inspirations that help me zone out."

More of his wonderful work can be found at www.fanwuart.com. Or you can follow him on Behance.

Via Creative Boom submission | All images courtesy of Fan Wu

Illustration by Fan Wu of a child's face lying on a beach next to a sandcastle, with sailboats and seashells in the water below
White bear hugging a group of penguins in front of a ship and geometric icebergs under a pink and blue snowy sky
A whimsical illustration of a blue and white creature with long whiskers swimming upwards through concentric circles of blue brushstrokes and pink tones, with a smaller character riding below it
Illustration showing a choir of round-faced characters in blue and pink outfits singing, with a profile of a woman's head containing a small figure dancing inside her mind
A cheerful illustrated child in a chef's hat explores a cosy, nostalgic interior filled with vintage maps, plants and colourful furnishings
Overhead view of six illustrated panels on a green textured background showing Fan Wu's plump, cheerful characters engaged in leisure activities like picnicking, playing music and relaxing
Two plump blue creatures rest on sandy ground beneath a stylised sunset with layered clouds and a glowing sun reflected in calm water, scattered with small shells and starlight
A child sits underwater surrounded by colourful plants and roots, with a clock face visible above in Fan Wu's soft, playful illustration style
Black and white dog with orange markings sitting on a beach touching noses with a seal in the water, with a palm tree and tropical setting behind them
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