Words to describe Hsiao-Ron Cheng's paintings: dainty, pretty, kinda weird, friggin' cool. The Taipei-based artist uses a muted palette to create imagery that you'd probably find in your dreams on a night when you've eaten too much cheese, but whether it's children sporting cupcake heads or giant flower-faced felines, we think her work is pretty ace. Here's what Hsiao-Ron has to say about her art.



What is your name and how old are you? My name is Hsiao-Ron Cheng and I'm 27 years old.

Where were you born and where do you live now? I've been living in Taipei, Taiwan since the day I was born.

How did you get started with this medium? When I first saw a Wacom tablet on my boyfriend's table, I played with it a bit due to curiosity and immediately fell in love with digital tools. It's something I knew right away. Some artists are better with pencils, some are better with brushes, and I'm good at digital tools. You just know it.



Please describe the space where you do most of your creation – whether it's your art studio or kitchen bench! Everything happens while I'm sitting in front of my computer in my current studio/room. Nothing cute or special!

What makes your work unique and truly your own? I believe everyone is unique and special, but you need constant practice to discover your own voice. I just happen to be the lucky (selfish) one, who disregards the opinions of beauty and style by most people around me, and never really cares about what kind of person they think I should be.

Tell us a little about your creative process. I always start a piece digitally from beginning to end. I usually get inspired by numerous images and articles, and when I find something interesting I'll start to bring the ideas into my work by doodling. Most of my personal works are half experimental. I'm always trying to explore more possibilities in my illustration skills, style or ideas so I'm able to contribute the specialness back to my clients.



What kinds of ideas and things are you working on at the moment? I'm now playing with pattern designs in my style, and also trying to practice more composition angles, such as aerial or super wild angle.

How has your style changed over time? My style has changed based on my personal taste at different phases. Increasingly, I know what colours, ideas or details I want to add to my work, and they all gather into one style naturally for a period of time. I've always tried to satisfied my expectations as well, that is to be more flexible and unique.

If you were to teach an art appreciation class, what kind of lessons would you try to teach your students? Umm... maybe a class called "Never Lazy" or "Being Patient On Everything 101". These are more like spirit lessons though.

What is the strangest thing or thought that has inspired a piece of work? One time I thought it would be fun to wear a doll head as a costume, so I drew "Little Mama Goes to School".



Are there any other mediums that you'd like to experiment with? I've always wanted to try making embroidery art, but maybe not in the near future.

What do you doodle when you are daydreaming? Lots and lots of flora and plants.

What other budding artists do you love? Winnie Truong, Riikka Sormunen.



What would you be doing if you weren't making art? A cook that makes everyone happy by feeding them or a typographer who enjoys every slight movement between lines, curves and letters.

Where can we see more of your work? My personal website, tumblr and Behance page.