Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Wang-Erickson.
Hi Amanda , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey to illustration and design is not linear. I actually started out in chemistry and spent time working at 3M before I made the leap into art and design full-time. That background in science gave me the unexpected gift of patience for process, among other things, which turns out to help me a lot in creative work, and working mostly alone.
When.I first went full-time as an artist, I actually started with polymer clay. I’ve since stepped back from that and pivoted into more illustration. I love the visual storytelling aspect of it, and how a whole world can live in an image.
Since then, I’ve built my practice around illustration, design, and brand identity. Working with clients like beSocratic, an evidence based learning assessment software tackling the use of AI in the classroom, plus local businesses like Niko Niko Boba, Aprios Custom Mfg, Narrative Brand Labs, Ococo Foods and Dreamers Childcare. I’ve also painted murals for some of these local businesses, bringing their brands to a physical space through illustration.
My art is nature-inspired and whimsical. I also like weaving in my culture as a Chinese Indonesian into my work. I like telling stories of the unseen world through animals and small encouragements. That is part of what draws me towards picture books, since it feels like a natural extension of what I already love to do.
I also run a growing community called Little Encouragements Mail club, where each month I send out an art print, sticker, and a journal prompt – affirmation card combo. It’s my pride and joy! And a great expression of what I want my art to do for the collectors!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been the smoothest. Definitely lots of uncertainty. Before the mail club gained any traction, it felt like I had to guess my way toward more income, or a steady one at least. I’m constantly thinking of new ideas to generate income streams while balancing client work, and that balancing act sometimes gets challenging as it feels like I’m spread thin.
But I feel so lucky to be able to pursue this dream as an artist, and to know there are people supporting me in big and small ways. Like clients who continue to trust my work, mail club supporters who continue to show up for my work. And that support means A LOT to me!
One of my favorite parts of this path is that when I have an idea, whether it’s a new piece of art, a video, or a new product, I can usually just give it a go! One of the successes from those ideas, is the mail club! The freedom has been really fun, even in the middle of all the uncertainty.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in illustration, design, and branding, though I lean more heavily into illustration these days.
I’m known for and most proud of my Little Encouragement Mail Club! I love being able to create art consistently for a group of collectors who want something meaningful, occasionally punny, and fun. I love that I get to make opening the mailbox a fun experience each month.
Another proud moment was being able to exhibit a large interactive mural at the Little Mekong Night Market in 2025, which ended up being one of the main attractions at the event! I along with the help of my friends and husband made hundreds of light up paper lanterns for event goers to write their hopes and wishes for themselves or community, and it lit up the whole mural!
I also love creating custom illustrations. Right now I have two open commission types: wedding illustrations done in my picture book style, and cultural dining table illustrations, where I illustrate the dishes a family regularly eats alongside a number of hands representing the number of family members.
What sets me apart is how personal and whimsical, yet meaningful my art can get. I love being able to translate someone’s wedding day, or the exact dishes on their family’s table, into a piece that feels like it could only belong the them. I think that same instinct guides all other product I make, from the monthly theme of the mail club to client branding. The little meaning behind the details all matter.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think there are a few things that contributes to success. But if I had to pick one, it has to be optimism. Being a self-employed artist isn’t like any other career, there’s no playbook. It’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure, and staying positive is what makes the uncertainty more exciting instead of overwhelming. There are hard days, and that’s why this is a practice.
There’s a word that’s stuck with me for years. Back when my husband and I were dating, he told me the Swedish word for success, lycklig, is also the word for happiness and luck. To be lucky, you have to be happy; to be successful, you have to be a bit lucky. That idea shapes how I try to move through this journey. Luck, happiness, and success all come together.
That optimism has been what carries me through tough times. Instead of spiraling, I reflect on my past successes and remind myself that if I made it happen before, I can do it again. It’s paired with perseverance and listening to my gut, but optimism is the foundation behind it all. It’s what lets me enjoy the process. Loving the journey matters more than the destination!
Pricing:
- Custom Wedding Illustration – 150.00+
- Custom Family Dining Illustration – 150.00+
- Little Encouragements Mail Club – 8.00/mo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://awewonderstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awewonderstudio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandawangerickson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awewonderstudio
