Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Wong.
Hi Bonnie, 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.
Flashback to kindergarten, and the teacher asks, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I drew a blank. Do I put the typical answers of wanting to be a doctor or vet? My 6-year-old little pea sized brain couldn’t comprehend illustration being a full-time job. I always laugh thinking back to that time and compare it to where I am now. I’d spent countless hours scribbling away wonky-looking characters and developing stories all over my homework and any scrap piece of paper I could find.
Prior to studying illustration, I studied Fine Arts both in high school and college. In high school, I discovered the inspiring work of Jillian Tamaki, and I absolutely admired her work in “This One Summer.” I was drawn to the character designs, and how they moved across the page, and suddenly, there was a shift in the universe I wanted to illustrate! I applied to study illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This is where my ideas started to make sense, and they meant something for once.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Surprise! It’s imposter syndrome, what’s new? I’ll always be developing my craft, but once in a while, there will be a dent in my ego. Constantly doubting myself and finding ways to improve is second nature at this point. Is this what I really want to do? Should I give up? Will I make it or be a failure? But I remind myself there’s more to illustration and why I love it so much. I take each day one step at a time and try to forgive myself in moments of catastrophic thoughts.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I strive for my work to radiate warmth and evoke all sorts of emotions; I absolutely adore picture book illustrations. My work is vibrantly colored, playful, with chaotically controlled environments. Each inch of my canvas has been well thought out before I bring my work to completion, and everything has a purpose and reason behind it! Perhaps there’s a hint or a personal connection or even a joke hidden among the details. But what I’m most proud of are the illustrations that revolve around my Chinese-American heritage! Experiences and foods that I grew up with are reimagined the way I remembered them. I say this a lot, but I believe it’s so important: everyone has personal stories to tell, and you know it the best… draw, paint, or write them! Hearing people being able to relate or feel the work I put out there makes what I do feel extra special.
How do you think about luck?
I’m very fortunate to be where I am! However, I didn’t get to where I am without all the hard work that came alongside it. I’m constantly putting myself and work out there for the world to see. I’m grateful to have a supportive community providing me with plenty of guidance and advice. Everyone who I’ve crossed paths with has played an important part to where I am now, creating meaningful relationships for years to come. I’d like to thank everyone I’ve ever emailed and anyone whose class I’ve barged into for advice. They make illustration worth pursuing and make me proud to be an illustrator!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bonniewongart.com
- Instagram: @ghoulishgals
