We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessie Han. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Jessie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
This is such an interesting question. I believe that at some point in life, most people have asked themselves:
“Am I walking a clear path, or merely wandering without direction?”
I vividly remember the time right after I graduated. I was determined to become a freelancer, eager to pursue greater creative freedom and a more flexible lifestyle. But reality quickly taught me a hard lesson—those were years of economic downturn, projects were scarce, payments often delayed, and my income was far from stable. I found myself constantly torn between dreams and financial pressure, and gradually, a deep sense of confusion set in.
During that time, I began to question my choice.
Was I truly on a meaningful path, or just wandering around the edges of a dream?
Eventually, I decided to shift course and became a high school teacher. In the classroom, I rediscovered a sense of purpose and rhythm, while still holding on to my creative practice. Teaching by day and creating by night—this dual-track life gradually brought me a sense of balance I hadn’t felt before.
Looking back now, I’ve come to realize that “walking a path” and “wandering” aren’t always opposites. Sometimes, we need to allow ourselves to move through uncertainty, to make mistakes while exploring, before we can slowly find the path that truly belongs to us.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an illustrator with a background in both animation and picture book design. I studied animation as an undergraduate and later pursued a master’s degree in children’s book illustration—two creative fields that I continue to explore and blend in my practice.
In addition to working as a freelance illustrator, I also teach A-Level art at a high school. Teaching allows me to stay closely connected to the next generation of young artists while sharing my passion for visual storytelling and creative thinking. I find it incredibly rewarding to guide students through their artistic journeys, helping them develop their own voices and visions.
Most of my time outside the classroom is spent on commissions and developing personal projects. I’m currently working on a picture book featuring two original characters: Mr. Fox, a gentle and curious little fox, and Toto, a small bird with a big personality. Together, they explore a whimsical world shaped by themes of friendship, wonder, and quiet adventure.
My creative work is deeply rooted in storytelling, and I aim to create illustrations that feel warm, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant. Whether through client work, personal stories, or teaching, I’m always drawn to narratives that carry both heart and imagination.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that truly changed the way I see the world wasn’t a single event, but a gradual shift over the years. I used to define myself by my individuality—wanting to stand out, to be visibly unique through my appearance, style, or attitude. But over time, I began to let go of that need to be “different” for the sake of it.
I started to value comfort, simplicity, and authenticity more than external distinction. The world became like a mirror, reflecting my inner changes. I realized I didn’t need a “special look” to prove who I was. Embracing the idea of being ordinary was, in fact, a moment of clarity—a quiet but powerful shift in how I saw both myself and the world around me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Follow your heart, and let the rest flow naturally.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
For the most part, the version of me that people see is the real me. But people are multi-dimensional—I definitely am. I just try to keep some parts of myself from showing up and causing chaos. lol
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I don’t see myself ever fully retiring. But if I had to step away tomorrow, I hope people would remember me through the stories I’ve told—through a bookshelf filled with books I’ve brought to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.haxiillustration.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiaxi_artwork/
