Artist Interviews 2025

Po Yan Leung  
By Laura Siebold



Po Yan Leung is a talented illustrator who fuses the ordinary and the magical through visual storytelling. Her drawings, held in two colors and made with vermillion ink, reintroduce feelings of nostalgia and a desire for the simplicity of life, captured in art. We asked the artist, who is based in Los Angeles, about her early career, dragons, fairies, and other magical creatures. Of course, Po also reveals her sources of inspiration, which artists she looks up to, and the role cats play in her art.



Can you please try to describe your art in three words? Please go into detail about why you chose those three words.


Magic, Sparkles, fun.

These three words stand out to me because they express the feeling I want to share through my art and how I hope people experience it. Magic is both a feeling and a theme in my work. I often draw magical subjects, such as tarot, alchemy, and fantastical creatures. Sparkles remind me of moments that feel like a nighttime festival, with colorful lights, music, and a happy atmosphere. Fun is straightforward: I want my art to feel carefree and a bit silly, like the part of us that invents stories and laughs at little things.



When did you first think of yourself as an artist? What led up to this moment?


I have been drawing and making things ever since I was a kid, and I never really stopped. But I think it took me a while to actually feel like I could call myself an artist. The memorable moment that really shifted things was when I was invited to be a mentor for an art student about seven years after I graduated. Talking to them made me reflect on my own artistic journey, things I have learned, and how far I have come. It made me feel like I finally had something to offer from my own experience, and that was the moment I felt confident about being an artist.



How did you find your unique style and voice as an artist?


I think I found my style naturally as I grew as an artist. My work has always had a touch of weirdness and humor, and over time, I have allowed myself to embrace that side even more. My art is really a mix of everything I love: vintage looks, magical themes, and, of course, cats. A significant part of finding my voice came from what I grew up loving and what I still return to now. I have always been drawn to fables, Mother Goose, Peter Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland, and all kinds of folklore and children’s stories. I also look to artists like Alphonse Mucha, Aubrey Beardsley, EdwardGorey, and Franklin Booth. Beyond that, I love ancient and medieval manuscripts, alchemy texts, Victorian-era Art, Eastern European patterns, and traditional Chinese art and design. I also pull from my dreams and from observing my cats doing strange and wonderful things. I have learned that the best way to stay consistent is to keep my work honest and personal. My style has changed a lot as I have grown, which I think is just part of being an artist. But the things I am passionate about have stayed pretty much the same. As long as my work feels true to me, it always comes together in a way that still feels like my own, even if the look changes slightly.



Your art allows your audience to find joy through imagination. Cats, bunnies, fairies, and dragons take us back to the child in ourselves. What do your subjects represent for you?


To me, they represent the part that knows how to appreciate small things, stay curious, view the world with gentleness, and always stay positive. Each character has its own personality in my stories. For example, the cats are like brave children, figuring things out as they go. Dragons usually appear when there are challenges or obstacles. The star child is a symbol of hope and wishes. The mandrake root is a mischievous friend who causes trouble but also keeps things interesting. Together, they are all different parts of a world I wish I could live in.



Tell us a little about your choice of color and materials. How do you choose them, and where do you look for inspiration?


Most of my work is done using pen and vermillion ink, which creates the recognizable black and orange color palette. I like using watercolor paper with a slight texture because it adds warmth and a tactile feeling to the piece. The use of vermillion actually started by accident. My parents once gifted me a traditional Chinese calligraphy set that includes a small bottle of vermillion ink. I started experimenting with the ink and quickly fell in love with its vibrant appearance. Working with just two colors allows me to focus on what I enjoy most: experimenting with patterns, shapes, and details. It also helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed by too many color choices. Inspiration comes from everywhere, so it is hard to pick just one source. I enjoy observing real life and jotting down notes in my sketchbook. My cats, strange dreams, random chats with friends, nature, silly ideas, and little moments all find their way into my art.



Has your art always been your main source of income, or do you pursue a second career path?


I have been a full-time artist for the past three years. Before that, I worked part-time jobs outside of art to support myself. It took time and a lot of learning to make the switch, but eventually, I was able to turn it into a steady career. I am grateful to be doing what I love.



What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?


Being an artist is a dream job for many people, but it involves much more than just making art. A lot is happening behind the scenes. Along with creating, I also handle various tasks, including running a business, producing content, managing social media, handling accounting, coordinating production, and representing my own work. To succeed, I need to stay motivated, keep learning, stay organized, and have clear goals.



What is the main purpose of your work?


I hope my art brings comfort, connection, and a bit of joy to anyone who sees it. That is really what matters most to me. Making art is how I express myself in the way that feels most natural. It is like living a small, adventurous life in a world I get to create. It means a lot when someone else finds something joyful or meaningful in that world.



Do you have particular role models that inspire your work? And do you dream of collaborating with other artists in the future?


There are many artists I look up to. For example, my colleague Josey Tsao creates work that always feels cozy and thoughtful, and I admire how she builds an atmosphere in everything she does. I also really enjoy the art of French artist Nathalie Lété, which is bold, colorful, whimsical, and full of life. Japanese artist Yuko Higuchi creates surreal, slightly strange, but very charming pieces. What I admire most about all of them is their versatility. They create prints, collectibles, useful objects, and more. It is inspiring to see how each of them builds a world where their art can really shine. I would love to work with other artists. Collaborating on products or art projects would be a dream come true. I am always curious to see how my work could change and grow when seen through someone else's creative perspective.



What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as an artist?


Working with Giant Robot Gallery in Los Angeles has been a dream come true, even if it might seem small to some. I remember attending their shows in the Sawtelle area before I started studying art, admiring the artists and hoping to be part of that world one day. Now, I have had the opportunity to participate in several group shows with them and have made some wonderful friends through the gallery. Another significant milestone for me has been seeing my work go beyond the local art scene. Getting to work with galleries around the world feels really special and, honestly, still a bit unreal. I never expected this kind of growth, but I am truly grateful for it.