Artist spotlight : Mandy Wan

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Yuetong (Mandy) is a London-based artist and the cre- ator of Lumi’s World, an original character universe in- spired by the quiet humour, curiosity, and emotions found in everyday life. Through illustration, comics, animation, sculpture, and collectible objects, she transforms ordinary moments into playful stories that invite people to pause, smile, and rediscover a sense of wonder in the familiar.

Influenced by Japanese visual culture, children’s picture books, and contemporary character design, Mandy cre- ates expressive characters using soft pastel colours, rounded forms, and intentionally imperfect hand-drawn lines. Her work embraces a childlike perspective—not as a form of nostalgia, but as a way of seeing the world with openness, honesty, and imagination. Each character car- ries its own personality, allowing everyday experienc- es, from moments of joy to awkwardness and frustration, to be reimagined with warmth, humour, and empathy.

At the heart of her practice is a fascination with the small, imperfect moments that make us human. She enjoys turning life’s frustrations, awkward encounters, and fleeting emo- tions into something gentle, cute, and humorous. Guided by the belief that “in the end, nothing matters quite as much as we think it does,” her work offers a quiet reminder to ap- proach life with a little more kindness, lightness, and play.

Mandy envisions Lumi’s World as an ever-evolving creative universe that extends beyond the page, where its charac- ters become lasting companions that bring comfort, joy, and imagination into everyday life.

Social Networks :

• Instagram Handle: @lumisworldofficial

• Website/ Portfolio:  N/A

Mandy Wan

1. Inspiration & Style
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique artistic style?
Answer:
I have always been drawn to illustration and character design because of their ability to communicate emotion through simple forms. As a child, I loved drawing imaginary creatures and creating little stories around them, and that curiosity has stayed with me throughout my practice.
A major influence on my work is Japanese graphic artist Verdy, whose ability to build an entire creative universe through original characters showed me that illustration can extend far beyond the page. I also admire NIGO®, whose approach to branding, character culture, and storytelling demonstrated how original characters can become part of everyday life through fashion, objects, and popular culture. Their work inspired me to think of my own characters not simply as drawings, but as personalities that can exist across comics, animation, sculpture, and collectibles.
Over time, I began developing Lumi's World, a universe centred around Lumi, Pluto, Didi, and the Gigi Stars. My style evolved from combining Japanese graphic aesthetics, children's picture books, and everyday observations with intentionally imperfect hand-drawn lines and soft pastel colours. Rather than focusing on dramatic narratives, I enjoy telling quiet, humorous stories that celebrate curiosity, friendship, and the small moments we often overlook. Through these characters, I hope to create a sense of comfort, nostalgia, and playfulness that resonates with people of all ages.

2. Creative Process
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
Answer:
I don't have a fixed creative ritual. Instead, I pay close attention to everyday life. Many of my ideas come from small, ordinary moments, something unexpectedly funny that happens, an awkward situation, or even those little things that quietly annoy me during the day.

I enjoy taking those emotions and reinterpreting them through my characters. Whenever an idea or feeling comes to me, I quickly note it down on my phone or in my sketchbook. Later, I ask myself, "How would Lumi, Pluto, Didi, or the Gigi Stars react to this situation?" Their personalities naturally shape the story.

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: in the end, nothing matters quite as much as we think it does. The little frustrations that feel overwhelming today often become the stories we laugh about tomorrow. Through my characters, I like to transform those imperfect moments into something warm, cute, and humorous, not to ignore life's difficulties, but to remind myself and others not to take everything so seriously. If my work can make someone smile and think, "I've felt exactly like that," then I feel the illustration has done its job.

3. Artistic Influences
How do you balance historical or artistic influences with your personal style, and how do these influences manifest in your work today?
Answer:
I draw inspiration from artists like Verdy and NIGO®, who have shown how original characters can grow beyond illustrations into complete creative universes. I admire the way they combine graphic design, storytelling, fashion, and collectible culture while maintaining a strong and recognizable visual identity.
Beyond contemporary artists, I'm also influenced by Japanese children's picture books and the simplicity of Japanese design, where a few thoughtful lines can express emotion without unnecessary complexity. I appreciate work that feels honest, playful, and emotionally accessible.

Rather than imitating these influences, I use them as a foundation for my own visual language. Lumi's World transforms everyday observations and emotions into playful stories through soft pastel colours, hand-drawn imperfections, and characters that celebrate the humour and warmth of ordinary life.

Ultimately, while my influences have shaped the way I think about character design and storytelling, my goal is to create a world that feels personal, comforting, and recognisably my own.

4. Emotion & Expression
How do you use your art to evoke emotions, and what role does emotion play in your creative process?
Answer:
Emotion is at the centre of everything I create. I rarely begin with a visual idea—instead, I begin with a feeling. It might be a funny moment, a small frustration, a sense of curiosity, or something that made me smile during the day.
I then ask myself how Lumi, Pluto, Didi, or the Gigi Stars would experience that same emotion. Their exaggerated yet innocent reactions allow me to transform everyday feelings into playful stories that people can relate to.
At the heart of my work is the belief that nothing matters quite as much as we think it does. Through humour, softness, and childlike imagination, I hope my work offers a gentle reminder not to take life too seriously. If someone can look at my illustrations and smile because they recognise a little piece of themselves, then I've achieved what I set out to do.

5. Standout Projects
Can you share a project that stands out to you and describe the creative process behind it?
Answer:
One project that stands out to me is the ongoing development of Lumi's World. Every day, I create and share new illustrations on Instagram, using Lumi, Pluto, Didi, and the Gigi Stars to tell small, humorous stories inspired by everyday life. It's become both a daily creative practice and a way to connect with people through relatable emotions and ordinary moments.
As the project has evolved, I've begun bringing these characters into the physical world by developing them as collectible toys and sculptures. Seeing a character that once existed only as a sketch become something I can hold has completely changed the way I think about character design. It encourages me to consider not only how a character looks, but how it exists as an object with personality, presence, and emotional connection.
Looking ahead, I want to expand Lumi's World into a collection of everyday objects that people can actually use and live with. my goal is to bring Lumi and the other characters into people's daily routines. I love the idea that they don't only exist on a screen or in a gallery, but become quiet companions that share everyday life with their owners.

Ultimately, I see Lumi's World as an ever-growing creative universe that extends across illustration, animation, toys, and functional objects, creating meaningful connections through simple stories and everyday moments.

6. Feedback & Growth
How do you incorporate feedback from critics or audiences into your work, and how do you balance this with your own artistic intuition?
Answer:
I value feedback because it helps me understand how people connect with my work. Sharing Lumi's World on Instagram every day has become an ongoing conversation with my audience. Seeing which stories make people smile, laugh, or say, "That's exactly how I feel," helps me understand what resonates emotionally.
At the same time, I try not to create simply to follow trends or chase engagement. I always come back to the original intention behind Lumi's World, transforming everyday emotions into warm, cute, and humorous stories. If feedback aligns with that vision, I'm happy to embrace it. If it doesn't, I trust my own artistic intuition and continue creating the stories I genuinely want to tell.

For me, the most is when someone tells me that a character made their day a little brighter or reminded them not to take life too seriously. That's the kind of connection I hope to continue building through my work.

7. Motivation & Inspiration
How do you stay motivated and inspired, even when facing creative blocks or challenges?
Answer:
I remind myself that creativity doesn't always come from chasing big ideas. Most of my inspiration comes from simply living life and paying attention to small moments. If I experience creative blocks, I usually step away from drawing and go for a walk, spend time in nature, or observe the people around me. Those everyday experiences often become the starting point for new stories.
I also stay motivated by treating Lumi's World as a long-term project rather than expecting every illustration to be perfect. Creating regularly has taught me that inspiration often comes through the process of making, not before it.
Most importantly, I return to the reason I started creating these characters: to transform ordinary emotions into something warm, cute, and humorous. That simple purpose reminds me that even the smallest idea can become a meaningful story.

8. Exhibiting Work
How do you feel about exhibiting your artwork with The Holy Art Gallery, and what does this opportunity mean to you?
Answer:
I'm very excited to exhibit with The Holy Art Gallery. I see it as a wonderful opportunity to connect with artists, curators, and audiences from around the world while sharing Lumi's World with a wider community.
London and Tokyo are two cities that have had the greatest influence on my artistic journey. London has shaped me as an artist through its diverse creative community, while Tokyo continues to inspire my passion for character culture, illustration, and design. Being able to exhibit through The Holy Art Gallery and build connections with people in both cities is incredibly meaningful to me.
More than exhibiting my work, I hope this opportunity will lead to conversations, collaborations, and lasting relationships with people who share a passion for art and storytelling. I believe these connections are just as valuable as the artwork itself.

9. Future Goals
What are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Answer:
My long-term goal is to grow Lumi's World into a character universe that people can experience in many different ways. I want Lumi, Pluto, Didi, and the Gigi Stars to exist beyond illustrations through animation, books, exhibitions, collectible toys, and everyday objects that people can use and live with.
I also hope to collaborate with artists, brands, museums, and cultural institutions around the world, particularly in London and Tokyo, where I feel deeply connected to the creative communities and character culture.
I believe the best way to achieve this is by continuing to create consistently. By sharing new stories every day, developing the characters across different mediums, and staying true to my artistic philosophy, I hope Lumi's World will continue to grow naturally and build meaningful connections with people around the world.

10. Audience Connection
What do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your art, and how do you aim to connect with them on an emotional or intellectual level?
Answer:
I hope my work reminds people to slow down and find joy in the small, ordinary moments of everyday life. Many of the stories in Lumi's World are inspired by simple emotions or experiences that we all share, and I transform them into playful, humorous moments through my characters. If someone sees my work and smiles or thinks, "I've felt that before," then I feel I've created a genuine connection.
On an emotional level, I want my characters to feel like quiet companions that bring comfort, warmth, and a little laughter. Intellectually, I hope my work encourages people to see everyday situations from a different perspective—to realize that even awkward, frustrating, or imperfect moments can become meaningful stories.
Ultimately, I hope Lumi's World reminds people not to take life too seriously. If my art can brighten someone's day, make them smile, or simply offer a moment of comfort, then I feel it has fulfilled its purpose.