Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Sunny Gu @happysunnygu

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

My name is Sunny Gu, a Los Angeles-based fashion & beauty illustrator.

I have been commissioned by the likes of Condé Nast, Vogue Magazine, Teen Vogue, ELLE Magazine , InStyle, Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana’s Swide Magazine, Carolina Herrera, Brian Atwood, Express, South Coast Plaza, Beverly Center,The Grove, La Prairie, Shiseido, FANCL , Neutrogena and HBO among others.

I was born and raised in China, I moved to the United States when I was 13. After encountering people from different backgrounds, I became very curious about other cultures. I learned to observe and discover beauties in everything around me.

I wish to find a way to capture and preserve the beauties that I see, the kindness that I feel, and recreate them in someway. I decided to become an illustrator and artist.

For most of my illustrations, I paint them in watercolor. I love the vibrancy and unpredictable nature of watercolor. Occasionally I use graphite or acrylic paint to render some special textures. I also create digital art for surface design and textiles.

My illustrations are always full of vibrant colors, rich details and delightful feelings. My work, on the other hand, is an endless journey searching for beauty, value, truth and self. When I paint, I am bathed in happiness, I hope my colorful illustrations can bring you some joy too!

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

Fashion, beauty, art, lifestyle. I most my original fashion illustrations.

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

Named after my name.:)

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

Most of my illustrations are painted in watercolor, occasionally I use photoshop for final edits.

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

Magazine and designer brands’ instagrams inspire me the most. Vogue magazine, Vogue Runway, Valentino, just to name a few.

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

Create original art work inspired by their favorite accessories, clothing, perfume, etc.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

Fashion illustrator is my profession, I love sharing my creations with the world.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

Create original and interesting content, make something that visually appeal to the eyes.
I have my signature style when painting. After creating many work for clients, I can merge client’s needs and my style harmoniously.

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

The internet is always information overloaded, it is necessary to create original and high quality content to catch people’s attention. It is not an option, it’s a necessity.

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

I love helping my clients introduce and promote their products in the form of art. It translates something commercial into a very poetic and artistic form.