On today’s episode of In Love with the Process, Mike dives into the surreal, violent, and wildly imaginative world of artist and illustrator Mu Pan.

Known for his massive, Boschian battle scenes filled with hybrid human and bestial figures, Mu Pan creates work that feels like a lost myth, somewhere between ancient history and a fever dream. His art pulls from Japanese manga, traditional Chinese scroll painting, American history, and Hong Kong cinema, blending them into something completely unique and deeply personal.

His work has been exhibited internationally, including a major retrospective at Espacio Solo in Madrid, and even appeared in the award-winning horror film Midsommar.

Mike first discovered Mu Pan through his book American Fried Rice, a collection that feels like a twisted children’s storybook, equal parts playful and disturbing, and it completely blew his mind.

In this episode, the two go deep into:

Why art school can sometimes kill creativity
How your true artistic voice is often formed in childhood
The long journey of losing that voice and fighting to get it back
The importance of constantly challenging yourself as an artist
The influence of manga, monster movies, and cultural storytelling on Mu Pan’s work
Why embracing the strange and uncomfortable leads to more honest art

Mu Pan also discusses his sculptural work, “OrigaMu,” and how building physical versions of his characters expands his creative world beyond the page.

This is a conversation about art in its purest form, messy, violent, playful, and deeply human.

If you’re a filmmaker, illustrator, or creative struggling to reconnect with your voice, this episode is for you.

► Mu Pan IG

► Mike's IG

► ILWP's IG

Music: Betamaxx & Code Elektro

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► Puget Systems

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