Toyoya and His Pixel Kingdom
Illustration by Toyoya
1. How did you acquire your unique style?
My creative style was influenced by the visual style of Nintendo games when I was a child, and in my later creations, I added my understanding of the Gen Z design style.
2. Looking back, are there any memorable moments in your journey as an illustrator?
This was my first time to participate in the abC Art Book Fair held at M Woods Art Museum in Beijing. I had face-to-face exchanges with the audience and met artist friends from different places. In 3 days, I felt the charm of the works of artists with different styles and let more audiences know about my works. This exhibition also strengthened my confidence in independent creation.
Illustration by Toyoya
3. How did your artistic style develop? What are some of your main sources of inspiration?
My style is mainly related to the development of digital media and the Internet that I have experienced, and there are many retro elements in my works. The source of these visual images is the Internet pictures and some electronic equipment materials that I usually collect in the early 21st century.
4. What’s a typical creative day like for you? How do you keep the ideas flowing?
I always record the ideas that suddenly pop up in a small graffiti notebook, and look for some interesting creative points when I create. In addition to painting, reading books or watching movies, the texts and images in these media can provide materials and inspiration.
Illustration by Toyoya
5. Do you have any favorite art tools or mediums? What draws you to them?
I often use Pinterest to collect materials. Its related search is useful and can help me expand my creative ideas.
6. Your work often conveys a sense of emotion or story—how do you weave that into your art?
With a certain amount of work and experience, the style and use of elements in the work will highlight your own characteristics.
Illustration by Toyoya
Graphic Motion by Toyoya
7. In your view, what qualities make for a successful young illustrator?
Keep an open mind and stick to personal creation.
8. What is your working day like?
My weekdays are pretty lazy. I usually stay home, read and draw, go for walks in the park when the weather is nice, listen to some pop culture podcasts while I work, and stare at the stray cats and people walking downstairs when I take a break.
Illustration by Toyoya
Illustration by Toyoya
9. How do you see the future of the illustration industry? Any trends that have caught your interest?
With the rapid development and commercial application of artificial intelligence AI, the threshold for the production of illustrations and animations will be lowered, and there will be more and more digitally generated works. Therefore, the independence of personal creation becomes more important, and the work will become the artist's way of expressing emotions and ideas.
In recent years, I have paid more attention to the changes in the field of pixel art. In recent years, pixel works have had more diverse expressions. Japanese artists have explored different materials and have explored pixel textile works and sculptures.
Illustration by Toyoya
10. As a young artist, how do you balance personal expression with market needs?
I will classify projects based on creative content and customer requirements. Some commercial projects require artists to compromise in their creations, while some customers will give artists more creative space. Try to spend more time communicating in the early stages so you can manage your own project expectations.
11. How do you handle stress and maintain a healthy mindset under the pressure of creating?
Learn to empty yourself and control the rhythm of creation and work. Taking a walk in the park or hiking in the suburbs in your free time is a good way to relax.
Illustration by Toyoya
12. Are there any artists or mentors who’ve had a big impact on you?
Among the artists of pixel-style illustrations, the artist group Eboy has the greatest influence on me.
13. Do you have a dream project or ideal collaboration? Could you tell us more?
Among the many projects I have collaborated on over the years, I was deeply impressed by the first brand Mo&Co that I collaborated on for commercial illustrations. The client trusted me in my creation and provided timely assistance and communication during the project execution. I was also very happy to participate in the client's charity project, the Guangdong Province Student Aid Summer Camp, and spent an unforgettable summer with three artists and dozens of children.
Illustration by Toyoya
14. If you weren’t an illustrator, what career path do you think you’d be on?
I hope I can become an island spectator or an observer in the mountains and forests.
15. What advice or encouragement would you give to young illustrators just starting out?
Don't be trapped in the peaks or troughs of a short period of time, stick to what you like. There will always be good returns in the future. Time is the best friend of creators. Don't be afraid of emptiness and failure.
Toyoya’s Studio
Photo of Toyoya