LA-based illustrator Diyou Wu (AKA Decue Wu, AKA DQ) is known for hor upbeat illustrations that are a mixture of fashion and editorial work. Currently working at Airbnb as an illustrator and art director, she describes herself as “a foodie who happens to draw.”
But with past clients that include Louis Vuitton, Armani Exchange, Audi, and Amazon Kindle her artistic career is nothing but casual. “I love drawing, I wanted to make my hobby into a career,” she admitted in an interview with Illustration Ltd.
Born in China, Wu has studied Digital Media Art at the Zhejiang University of Media and Communications, after which she has received her MFA in Illustration Practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art. She has since exhibited her work across China and the US, and has won numerous awards that include Hiii Illustration Merit 2014 and Taipei Art Competition Winner 2014.
Talking about her art heroes she mentioned Picasso. “He was very smart and extremely talented,” said Wu. “Every time I look at his work, I can find something new and different.” While most of Wu’s work is done digitally, she also combines hand-made textures, screenprinting, and collage work to give her illustrations some extra dimension. Her biggest inspiration? “My life and the people surrounding me.”
Here are some highlights from her Instagram page.
