Lisa Wee, Peranakan and Proud
Introducing Lisa Wee, a children’s illustrator and advocate for diversity and inclusion in storytelling. Inspired by the richness of the childhood experience, she creates vibrant, heartfelt illustrations that help every child see themselves in books. Whether sketching in a city café or under forest trees, Lisa brings scenes to life using Procreate on her iPad. Inspired by nature, her work is joyful, textured, and human. Lisa loves to collaborate on projects that celebrate inclusivity and whimsy.
Let's hear what she has to say for some of the questions that we asked...
What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?
One of the most exhilarating collaborations I've had to date was working with the incredible art director at Candlewick on Masked Hero, the story of Dr. Wu Lien-teh. This project was truly special — it brought to life the story of the legendary doctor who defeated the Manchurian plague, written by none other than his great-granddaughter, an emergency physician who, a century later, leaned on his life-saving invention during a global pandemic.
The challenge was immense: finding visual references for life in Malaya and China between 1870 and 1945 was no easy feat. I spent countless hours digging through archives and exploring the galleries of the Singapore Museum. Every discovery felt like uncovering a hidden piece of history, and the deeper I went, the more thrilled I became. It was an unforgettable experience where art, history, and storytelling all came together.
Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?
When creativity feels out of reach or I hit a block, I lace up my shoes and head straight into the woods. There's something about the sound of the jungle — the rustle of leaves, the call of distant birds — that quiets the noise in my mind and throws open the door to new ideas. I always carry my iPad with me, ready to turn any trail into a pop-up studio. Whenever inspiration strikes mid-hike, I simply stop and start illustrating right there among the trees. It's no surprise that much of my work draws deeply from nature. I remember when I was working on a picture book for the Jacksonville Library in Florida, about two kids discovering a nature park after moving to a new home. To truly capture the heart of that story, I spent days illustrating inside a national park near my own home — letting the textures, sounds, and wild beauty pour straight into the artwork.
Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.
From the earliest days of my career as an illustrator, I made it my mission to champion diversity and inclusivity — not as a trend, but as a truth I lived. I grew up in a world where cultures collided beautifully: my closest childhood friends were Indian, Malay, Caucasian. Later, living in Africa, my community widened to include Japanese, Korean, and African friends. I never saw color as a boundary; I saw it as a tapestry of stories, dreams, and humanity woven together. To me, it was simple: a child's heart should be taught to see character, not color. Through my work, I want every child to feel seen, to know they belong, and to understand that our differences are not what separate us — they are what make our world extraordinary.
What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.
What sets me apart is not just my commitment to diversity and inclusivity — it's the unique lens through which I see the world. I bring a rare blend of East and West into my work, shaped by my education in the UK and my heritage as a Peranakan. Growing up in a culture that naturally fuses Malay and Chinese traditions, I've lived the richness of two worlds intertwined. This deep, personal understanding of blending cultures allows me to create stories and illustrations that resonate across boundaries — stories that don't just include different cultures, but celebrate the beauty of their connections. I don't just illustrate diversity; I live it.
If you have done paid commission prior to joining the agency, what would you say something that clients repeatedly come to you?
Repeat clients are incredibly loyal to my quirky, heartfelt brand. They return because they trust my ability to create work that is not only visually unique but deeply customized to their voice and identity. I take the time to understand their story, their audience, and the emotional impact they want to make — and I weave that into every piece I create. My background in blending diverse cultural perspectives and my commitment to authenticity allow me to deliver work that feels fresh, personal, and distinctly theirs every time.
How would describe your style?
My style is a vibrant blend of quirky charm and heartfelt storytelling, grounded in a deep commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Visually, my work often features playful, expressive characters and rich, organic textures inspired by my love for nature. Culturally, my style carries a unique East-meets-West sensibility — shaped by my Peranakan heritage and my education in the UK — allowing me to weave together different traditions, moods, and perspectives seamlessly. Whether I’m illustrating a historical figure or capturing the quiet magic of everyday life, my art always aims to feel both universal and deeply personal.
Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you offered it.
A dream project that would mean the world to me would be illustrating a story written by myself — a story that is deeply personal, yet universally relatable. It would be a dream come true to have it published by incredible houses like HarperCollins, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Chronicle Books, or Nosy Crow. I am passionate about creating stories that celebrate the wonder of childhood, especially through the lens of intergenerational relationships — the magic of learning, growing, and seeing the world anew through the bonds between children and the elders who love them. To have the opportunity to bring such a story to life, where heart, heritage, and discovery intertwine, would be everything I’ve ever hoped for as both an illustrator and author.
Are you working on any personal project that you want to share with us?
Yes! I'm currently working on a personal project that’s very close to my heart — a picture book I've written and am now illustrating, titled Joyride. Joyride is about rediscovering the real world through all five senses — the smell of fruits tree, the changing colours of the land, the thrill of wind rushing past your face. In a time when so many children experience the world through screens, Joyride invites them to step outside and live it — to touch, taste, feel, and wonder. It’s a story that champions curiosity, independence, and real-world connection, reminding readers young and old that the best adventures aren’t virtual — they’re right outside our door.
Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real person, who would it be?
Illustrating a real person was a game-changer for me — it sparked a fire to explore more untold stories that deserve to be brought to life.
My list of figures to illustrate is long and incredibly inspiring, each one offering a unique and powerful narrative that can shape young minds.
Historical Figures:
● Wangari Maathai – The courageous Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, whose legacy is still underrepresented in children's literature.
● Sybil Ludington – The brave young woman who is often called the "female Paul Revere" of the American Revolution, yet her story remains largely untold.
● Murasaki Shikibu – The brilliant Japanese author of The Tale of Genji, the world’s first novel, whose legacy has so much potential to inspire the next generation.
● Bessie Coleman – The first African American and Native American female pilot, whose story deserves to be told in a vibrant, beautiful picture book.
Present-Day Figures:
● Marley Dias – The fierce young activist who created the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, pushing for more representation in literature.
● Dr. Catherine Hamlin – The Australian doctor who revolutionized women’s healthcare in Ethiopia, offering hope and healing to thousands.
● Kehinde Wiley – The bold contemporary artist who painted President Obama’s iconic portrait, a powerful figure who challenges the art world’s boundaries.
● Brian Wallach – A dad, husband, activist, and entrepreneur, living with ALS and defying the odds. His story, filled with resilience and courage, has the power to touch hearts and change minds.
These figures represent the extraordinary lives that need to be shared with the world — stories that educate, inspire, and push boundaries. I am eager to bring their stories to young readers, helping them see the vast potential within themselves and the world around them.
If you’d like more info, please contact: [email protected]
At illo agency, we pride ourselves in representing a collation of global illustrators, distinctly diverse in creativity and uniquely celebrated by like-minded clients across a range of commercial markets.