Seattle illustrator Stacy Hsu leaves design career to find creative grounding in nature
By
Abbey Bamford
A bagel you'd recommend to a friend without hedging.
Summary
Seattle illustrator Stacy Hsu left a 15-year career in product and graphic design to pursue nature-driven illustration. During the pandemic, she began drawing plants and wildlife as a way to reconnect with nature and find clarity. Her practice now bridges science and storytelling, creating detailed artwork inspired by the natural world. The article explores her creative journey from digital design to analog sketching, and how this shift brought her greater fulfillment and connection.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe shift came from a deep desire to feel more connected, both to my work and to the world around me.
During the pandemic, I started drawing as a way to reconnect with nature and process the overwhelm.
That simple act of putting pen to paper, observing the plants in my backyard or sketching wildlife from a hike, reminded me of the joy and clarity I'd been missing.
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