Season 3 Episode 5: Justin Wu, Hungry Artist NY

New Yorkers might scoff when they hear this, but Justin Wu didn’t grow up on the traditional NYC slice. Instead, the food content creator and artist, known as Hungry Artist NY, has a special place in his heart for a chicken Caesar slice from Romeo’s in Queens. In this blog post, we dive into Justin’s journey as he combines his two loves – food and art – to create a dynamic and delicious Instagram feed.

Chicken Caesar and Creative Beginnings

During our conversation, Justin reminisced about his favorite childhood pizza. Romeo’s chicken Caesar slice, loaded with fresh Romaine lettuce, mozzarella cheese, breaded chicken cutlet, and Caesar dressing, holds a special place in his heart. This nostalgia wasn’t just about pizza, but it sparked the beginning of his venture as the Hungry Artist.

Art, Food, and a Pandemic Pivot

The pandemic of 2020 was a game-changer for many, including Justin. With restaurants closed and ample time on his hands, he began illustrating the food he missed— initially as a personal project. Each illustration gave life to beloved dishes, comforting fans of both food and art during a time when dining out was but a distant memory. This artistic pivot wasn’t just about creating beautiful images; it was about capturing the essence, ambiance, and memories tied to the food.

Incorporating Food into Art

Justin’s unique approach to art includes using food as a medium. Imagine using soy sauce for dark hues or condiments like ketchup for reds. The concept, while unconventional, adds texture and depth to his work (although he wisely avoids using raw fish for any sushi sketches given the potential olfactory backlash).

Creativity in the Content World

Our discussion also delved into the delicate balance of content creation. From initial planning to final editing, Justin described the process as both exhilarating and exhausting. Each piece of content, whether a short video or a detailed illustration, demands significant time and effort.

Navigating Social Media and Audience Growth

Justin’s viral moment came with a seven-second video featuring a beloved street vendor in Chinatown. This unplanned post resonated with viewers and skyrocketed his following overnight. It was a powerful lesson in the importance of authenticity and relatable content.

Building a Community of Creators

Justin stresses the importance of community in the digital sphere. Connecting with fellow content creators has been invaluable for learning and growth. Despite the competitive nature of social media, Justin’s experience highlights how collaboration and mutual support can lead to shared success.

Dealing with Trolls and Staying True

Like any public figure, Justin faces negative comments regularly. However, he’s learned to navigate this with grace, focusing on constructive feedback and ignoring spiteful trolls. His approach underscores the resilience needed to thrive in the digital age.

Fun with Food Experiments

On a lighter note, we posed a whimsical question to Justin: what dish would he create if scratch-and-taste technology existed? His answer? Sushi, with all its complex textures, and perhaps a rose-flavored Afghan-inspired dessert, rich with aromatic notes.

Follow Justin

Justin Wu’s journey is a testament to the power of combining passion with creativity. From nostalgic pizza slices to innovative food art, his work continues to inspire and resonate with a growing community. If you're eager to join Justin on his culinary and artistic adventures, you can follow him on all social media platforms under the handle @hungryartistny. For more of his art, clothing, and merchandise, visit his website at hungryartistny.com.

Justin’s story is a flavorful reminder that creativity knows no bounds – whether it's convincing New Yorkers to try a chicken Caesar pizza or transforming soy sauce into a work of art. Keep following his journey for more delicious and delightful content!

Stay tuned for more captivating interviews and delicious content from other food enthusiasts and creators.

You can watch each episode, in its video version, on YouTube here.
Follow on Instagram for some behind the scenes and short form content here.
Listen to each episode as a podcast on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.