Life of Being an Freelance Illustrator

Jun 19

Written By Finn Li

1. If illustration is a friend who has been with you for a long time, what does it look like in your mind?

Aki: For me, illustration is like a burst of inspiration that fuels my creativity. It's like a muse that guides me and motivates me to create new things.

Yusa: In my mind, illustration is like a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. It's constantly changing and evolving, just like my artistic style.

2. What would you consider doing without considering the reality if you don't do illustration anymore? Why?

A: If I don't do illustration anymore, I would consider becoming a teacher or an art therapist. I still want to be able to share my creativity and help others express themselves through art.

Y: If I don't do illustration anymore, I would consider becoming a wildlife photographer or a botanical illustrator. Nature has always been a great inspiration for me, and I would still want to capture its beauty in some form of art.

3. Which kinds of artworks, experiences, or objective factors have influenced your unique illustration aesthetics?

A: My illustration style has been influenced by my background in graphic design. The principles of color theory and graphic design have shaped my aesthetic sense and how I approach composition in my illustrations. Artists like Matisse, with his bold use of color and shape, have also been a significant influence on my style.

Y: My illustration aesthetics have been influenced by my exposure to graphic design and traditional painting. I've been inspired by the conceptual thinking of graphic design, and I strive to incorporate graphical elements into my illustrations. I also draw inspiration from nature and the lifestyle around me, adding illustrative details to my work.

4. Do you believe an illustrator's artistic style evolves over time?

A: Absolutely, I believe an illustrator's artistic style evolves over time in a gradual and logical manner. Many renowned artists are known to have changed their artistic style throughout their careers. I find it fascinating to witness an artist's exhibitions showcasing artworks from different periods, as it allows me to understand how their background and experiences influence their artistic practice and style. It's truly inspiring and motivating, as it reminds me that there are endless possibilities for artistic exploration.

Y: Yes, I agree. An illustrator's style can change as they gain more experience and develop new ideas at different stages of their career. However, some personal aspects, such as an illustrator's muscle memory and their approach to handling details, may remain consistent and unchanged.

5. Has your work environment been significantly affected by the post-pandemic era? Please share your insights if so.

A: Personally, I don't think the situation has greatly impacted my work environment, as I typically work from home or my studio. However, I do believe that having a comfortable chair and cushions is crucial if one has to sit for long periods of time.

Y: There have been some changes. I find myself spending more time at home after the pandemic. Remote work from home has become more common. While it's nice not to have to commute, it has been challenging to travel during this time, and I believe that travel can be a great source of inspiration for creativity.

6. As an independent illustration artist with free time, how do you structure your day? Has it differed from your initial expectations when you first entered the field?

Aki: My typical day starts with waking up at 9 am, replying to messages, having breakfast, and then cycling to my studio. I work until noon when I take a break for lunch, then head to a cafe in the afternoon for a drink. I continue working at the studio until 9 pm, and then go home to watch a show or relax with my phone until bedtime. This is my usual daily routine. Occasionally, I take time off during weekdays to visit exhibitions or go for a leisurely stroll.

Yusa: I usually wake up around 9 or 10 in the morning, have a late brunch, and start working around noon or in the afternoon. I work until 8 or 9 pm in the evening, taking a break for dinner at 5 pm. I enjoy this flexible work schedule as it allows me to control the pace of my work and find more enjoyment in the process. However, it can also sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, which is different from my initial expectations when I first entered the industry.

Illustration by Yusa Cui

7. Developing a Personal Project Series:

A: To develop a complete series of personal projects, I usually start by finding a theme or concept that resonates with me. For non-commissioned works, I often participate in art book exhibitions and work backwards from the exhibition deadline to set my timeline. I create sketches and drafts to conceptualize the theme and framework, and then select the best ideas to bring to life. I continually iterate and refine my work, and when I feel that the painting has reached a point where no further adjustments are needed, I consider it finished.

Y: For me, I find inspiration from my daily life and create a framework and general concept for the theme. I start with sketches and drafts, and as I continue to draw, new ideas often emerge. I take my time and leave the painting for a while before revisiting it to see if it feels complete. If I feel satisfied with the result and no further changes are necessary, I consider it 'completed'.

8. Artwork and Audience in Three-Dimensional Format:

A: As an illustrator and designer, I separate my identity when creating artwork for three-dimensional formats such as packages or products. I aim to meet the requirements of both myself and the client when designing a product or an art book.

Y: When transforming my illustrations into solid objects, I consider not only the image itself but also the structure of the object, the use of materials, and the experience of holding it in the viewer's hand. I believe that illustrators can experiment and collaborate across different mediums to enrich their experiences and expand their horizons.

9. Operating an Independent Brand as an Illustrator:

A: If I were to operate an independent brand as an illustrator, my main strategy would be to collaborate with commercial brands, creating illustrations and integrating them with the brand's related products for a deeper partnership.

Y: I would first identify my unique characteristics in my artwork and use them to build an IP image and a visual style that aligns with the IP. I would also publish my works online and offline, participate in activities to increase my visibility and reach among more people.

10. Latest Travel Plans:

A: I haven't traveled this year, but I plan to visit Yunnan or Jingdezhen in the near future.

Y: My recent trip was to Hangzhou for an art festival, where I met friends and had dinner together. I hope to travel to Japan and Korea once the pandemic is under control.

11. Favorite Movie and Soundtracks:

A: One of my favorite movies is "Isle of Dogs". I enjoy listening to the following soundtracks while working: 1. "冬の夜" by 古井戸 (Album: オレンジ色のすけっち), 2. "あなたに" by 玉置浩二 (Album: ワインレッドの心), and 3. "Menuet D major" (Album: Bestseller Classic 1).

Y: I recommend the movie "Maudie", as it is a beautiful and touching film that brings me comfort. The soundtracks I currently enjoy listening to while working are "Dear Candy" by The Cheers Cheers, "City of Stars" by Philharmonic City, and "Space Song" by Beach House.

Yusa Cui’s Studio

Aki Jiang’s Studio

Finn Li