First of all, welcome to Geeks OUT! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, I am Mio, a watercolor artist who focuses mostly on fanart, inspired by the stories and characters I love. In my free time I spend a lot of time reading, especially danmei novels. I’m a big fan of Chinese wuxia and xianxia dramas, they are a big source of inspiration for me. Being creative is something I enjoy: painting, cosplaying, photography, embroidery and many more… though I’d rather let my work speak for itself than talk about me and hope it reflects the passion and joy I put into it.

As an artist what drew you to illustrating?

I’ve always been a quiet and introverted person, so drawing became my natural way of expressing myself. Sailor Moonfirst inspired me to take art seriously. My homeroom teacher back then hated my art and me doodling on every blank piece of paper, telling me I have zero talent. That comment kind of fueled me to get better. In 2019 I challenged myself to try watercolor and I haven’t stopped since.

What are some of your favorite elements of illustrating? What do you consider some of the most frustrating and/or challenging? 

I enjoy the whole process of traditional art: choosing the paper, the brushes, thinking about warm or cold colors and contrasts, masking etc. Scanning and retouching my paintings is the more “boring” aspect of my work process; I still wouldn’t consider it frustrating though. I love when everything comes together and I can start with all the details. My favorite part is painting facial expressions. 

As an artist who or what would you say are some of your greatest creative influences and/or sources of inspiration in general?

Music, novels and Chinese drama keep inspiring me. Also traveling… I sometimes need a change of scenery.

Aside from your work, what are some things you would want readers to know about you?

Foxes! I love red foxes and collect everything fox themed. I am always overjoyed when I see a fox or a fox den. They’re so beautiful and in winter they look very round and fluffy.

What’s a question you haven’t been asked yet but that you wish you were asked (as well as the answer to that question)? 

A question I’ve never been asked is what does your workplace look like. The answer is I am surrounded by windows (and plants), since I need daylight to paint. Artificial light casts irritating shadows on my paper, so in winter I have to get up early to get the most out of the few hours of daylight.

What advice might you have to give for aspiring creatives out there?

Don’t compare your art with others. Instead analyze what you like about other art: is it the colors? The sparkle in the eyes? The texture? Try to implement things you like into your own art to find your own style and never stop practicing.

Are there any other projects you are working on and at liberty to speak about?

In 2025 besides working on Thrice Married to a Salted Fish (Novel) I also worked on the German version of the novelTill The End Of The Moon by Teng Luo Wei Zhi, the novel to the famous Chinese drama. I did the covers and the character cards.

Finally, what books/authors would you recommend in general to the readers of Geeks OUT? 

I absolutely fell in love with Thrice Married to a Salted Fish by Bi Ka Bi. Before I started working on it I binge read the whole novel within two weeks. It very easily became the #1 novel in my heart. I also love and recommend Little Mushroom by Yi Shi Si Zhou and The Husky and his White Cat Shizun by Meatbun. If you’re new to danmei Heaven Officials Blessing by MXTX is definitely a good start to get into Chinese BL.