Drawing my own future

by XU WEIWEI, 21ST　Posted on 2007-12-04　    
   
  看弯弯画笔下多彩的高中生活。

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You may think that the three years in high school are just occupied with exams and paper work. However, for Wan Wan, 26, this time is filled with fun in her cartoon world she created with her magic pen.

Her latest work, I Hate to Study, But Enjoying My Life (《可不可以不要上学》) were made available to buy on the mainland recently. "The cartoons are based on my experience in senior high," she said.

Teens talked to her exclusively (独家的) when she came to Peking University for a lecture on November 23.

Teens: Your cartoons have been popular among students in Taiwan and the mainland. Why?

Wan: I guess the reason is that I have the guts (勇气) to make fun of myself. I'm not afraid to joke about the embarrassing moments in my life. Readers are often surprised at how honest I am!

Because lots of people are living under stress, I want to lighten up other people's lives with jokes.

Teens: So what are the most embarrassing things that happened to you in high school?

Wan: Once I was late for school, so the teacher asked me to stand in front of the school gate. It's so embarrassing that everyone in the school saw me. I felt bad and swore not to be late again, but I did it again the next day!

Another time, I got so absorbed into drawing that I spilled (溅) ink all over my white shirt.? I didn't notice it. However, when I started walking around campus, someone yelled (喊叫) that "a cow" is coming! My face blushed (脸红).

Teens: What makes your drawing style stand out? Why do you like drawing?

Wan: I draw my characters with simple lines. I want to focus on the content or meaning instead of the pictures. I finish the characters quickly with a few lines. They don't have any hairstyles or wear any clothes. This leaves room for readers' imagination.

Everyone has a language to convey in his or her mind. I'm awkward with words, but I can paint my ideas directly.

Teens: How did you make the decision to quit your previous job to pursue (追求) a career drawing? Did you feel uncertain about your future?

Wan: Life is like buying lottery tickets (彩票). Buying it doesn't mean you'll win. But if you don't buy any, you'll never get the chance to win.

When the chance to publish my work came, I just took it. If it didn't work, I could find a new job. Life is hard to predict, and you can only follow your heart.