Why Do Birds Keep Inspiring Artists?
Illustrator Zoe Zhao has built a practice rooted in close observation of the natural world, with a particular fascination for birds and a lasting affection for penguins. In this interview, she discusses how her life between Edinburgh and China has shaped her perspective, and how everyday encounters with wildlife, whether seabirds on the coast or small songbirds in city gardens, continue to spark new ideas.
She shares the story behind “Zoe’s Penguin,” a character that began as a sketch during her studies and has since become a recurring figure that travels through landscapes, seasons, and even different cities. Through this character and her watercolour work, Zoe finds ways to connect storytelling with the rhythms of nature.
We also hear how Edinburgh itself has shaped her journey: the light, the weather, and the wildlife on its doorstep have all played a role in guiding her approach to illustration. She explains why watercolour remains central to her process, how she decides when to incorporate other media, and the different kinds of conversations that occur when her work is exhibited in a gallery compared to a zine fair.
What comes through in her answers is a picture of someone who notices the details that others might overlook, whether it’s the quick dart of a long-tailed tit or the atmosphere of a rainy afternoon, and translates them into images that encourage others to pause and look more closely. The interview also touches on recognition she has received, including back-to-back merit awards from iJUNGLE, and how such acknowledgements strengthen her resolve to keep moving forward as a freelancer.
As a freelance illustrator, I am deeply inspired by the natural world and find endless fascination in observing life, especially birds, with a soft spot for penguins. My art is rooted in the belief that illustration can awaken curiosity about nature and encourage viewers to examine the world around them more closely. Through my work, I aim to inspire curiosity, compassion, and a sense of responsibility to care for and protect the environment and its diverse inhabitants. I primarily use colourful watercolours and smooth, expressive lines to create scenes that are both playful and emotionally resonant.
My illustrations are often whimsical and imaginative, blending reality with narrative and inviting the viewer into a vibrant, personal world. Whether I’m depicting animals in quiet moments or characters travelling through fantastical environments, I aim to evoke a gentle sense of connection between the viewer and the subject. Having been based in Edinburgh for the past three years and in China for the last year, I have come back to Edinburgh. I continue to explore themes of nature, emotion, and storytelling in my work, sharing my creative process through sketchbooks and pattern designs. My art is not only a personal journey but also a gentle call to notice, value, and care for the world we all share.
1. Zoe, what drew you to stay in Edinburgh after your studies, and how has the city shaped the way you approach your work?
During my first year in Edinburgh, I was captivated by the city’s vibrant atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. Scotland’s astonishing wildlife and Edinburgh’s rich artistic scene deeply inspired me. I admired the city’s ever-changing seasonal hues—from sunny days bursting with color to rainy days tinged with vintage tones—which fueled my creativity. The proximity to mountains, seas, and lakes offers a diverse habitat for fascinating wildlife, further enriching my appreciation for nature and art.
I am captivated by the translucency and fluidity of watercolour, as well as the element of unpredictability that often arises during the painting process.
Zoe Zhao
2. Project Zoe’s Penguin has been with you for three years now. How did the idea of an emperor penguin chick first come to life, and what keeps you returning to it?
Ever since I was young, emperor penguin chicks have been among my favourite birds. Zoe’s penguin first appeared in my sketchbook during my first semester in 2021. As I explored Edinburgh, I made this little penguin the protagonist of my journey, allowing it to accompany me as I discovered the city. For my 2022 graduation project, I expanded this idea into a story about a penguin travelling from Antarctica to the Arctic, meeting various creatures along the way. Since then, Zoe’s penguin has evolved into a personal IP character—depicting it celebrating Halloween, wearing a kilt and playing bagpipes, strolling through Nice and Edinburgh. Looking ahead, I envision Zoe’s penguin exploring not only breathtaking natural landscapes but also vibrant human cities around the world.
3. Much of your work revolves around nature and animals. What moments in everyday life spark the urge to capture them in paint?
In my daily life, I take great joy in observing wildlife—whether it’s watching great tits and blue tits squabble in the garden, heading out to sea to spot seabirds and even killer whales, or noticing long-tailed tits near lakeside woods. I truly value those moments when wildlife reveals its vitality. Careful observation not only inspires me but also calms my nerves, whether I’m following the quick movements of long-tailed tits through the trees or quietly watching puffins bask on the rocky islets of the Atlantic.
4. Watercolour seems to be your primary medium, with some experiments in mixed media. How do you decide when to keep things simple and when to layer in other techniques?
I am deeply captivated by the translucency and fluidity of watercolour, as well as the element of unpredictability that often arises during the painting process. I usually begin by using watercolour to establish the overall tonal foundation of the composition, then gradually develop the background and surrounding details. For areas that require a more precise depiction of material textures, I often incorporate non-water-soluble media such as coloured pastels or crayons, which provide expressive flexibility beyond what watercolour alone can offer.
Zoe’s penguin first appeared in my sketchbook during my first semester in 2021, and as I explored Edinburgh, I made this little penguin the protagonist of my journey.
Zoe Zhao
5. You’ve shown your work in both galleries and zine fairs. How do these different spaces influence the way people connect with your illustrations?
I believe galleries offer a superior setting for presenting complete works, as viewers often engage more deeply with the artwork within a fixed space and curated environment. Zine fairs, on the other hand, invite a different kind of interaction—attendees not only browse through physical zines but also engage directly in conversation with me. This exchange is at once more fragmented and more intimate.
6. Receiving recognition from the iJUNGLE Illustration Awards in back-to-back years must feel affirming. What did those acknowledgements mean for your journey as a freelancer?
Being honoured twice in succession with a merit award at the iJUNGLE Illustration Awards, together with recognition from the professional industry, has reaffirmed my belief that consistently depicting what I value can be both seen and appreciated. This recognition has strengthened my resolve to continue advancing my career.
Zoe Zhao’s work is a celebration of close looking and quiet storytelling. Her illustrations invite us to notice the character and movement of animals, the moods of a changing season, and the way imagination can travel alongside observation.
From the playful journeys of her penguin character to the delicate balance of spontaneity and detail in her watercolours, her art reminds us that creativity can grow from paying attention to the ordinary wonders around us. Through her journey, we learn how place, practice, and curiosity come together to shape a career that is both steady in vision and open to discovery.
To learn more about Zoe, click the following links to visit her profile.
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