View the World through a Deconstructive Lens
Illustration by Jiawen
1. Looking back, are there any memorable moments in your journey as an illustrator?
One of my most unforgettable experiences was creating my picture book Me Inside during my first year in the SVA MFA Illustration as Visual Essay program. At that time, I loved making detailed, complex narrative illustrations but struggled to add deeper meaning to my work. Living in New York, I saw many artists with unique styles that I had never seen before. Their work inspired me to rethink my approach, simplify my illustrations, and use metaphors instead of direct storytelling. Finishing this book helped me find the direction for my visual language, which I still follow today.
Illustration by Jiawen
2. How did your artistic style develop? What are some of your main sources of inspiration?
Recently, I’ve been drawn to abstract art, especially works by Mark Rothko. His use of large geometric shapes and bold colors creates a strong emotional connection for me. These emotions transform into specific spaces in my mind, and I actively add more elements to these spaces, eventually shaping them into my own creations.
3. What’s a typical creative day like for you? How do you keep the ideas flowing?
In addition to being a freelance illustrator, I also work as a teacher. While giving feedback to students, their ideas and the in-depth research they inspire often broaden my knowledge and provide creative inspiration and insights for my own work.
Illustration by Jiawen
4. Do you have any favorite art tools or mediums? What draws you to them?
I mainly use an iPad and Procreate for my work. Since I don’t always stay in a studio, the iPad’s portability allows me create or edit my work anytime and anywhere.
Printmaking has always been one of my favorite media, especially silk-screen printing. Its artistic language and color style shaped my aesthetic during collage. The subtractive thinking in printmaking has also influenced my digital work, making me habitually review my compositions, remove unnecessary elements, and keep the visuals clean and simple.
5. Your work often conveys a sense of emotion or story—how do you weave that into your art?
Commissioned work often involves specific elements and subjects to depict. I try to deconstruct these elements and present them in a more flat and abstract way. For example, earlier this year, I created a newsletter cover illustration for Caper, where the theme was a dragon. I thought about how to simplify the complex structure and details of a dragon and ultimately presented it in the form of flowing satin in the composition.
Cover Design by Jiawen
6. What is your working day like?
I currently have two roles: illustrator and teacher. Teaching is my main job, so my creative work happens in the gaps between my classes. This means my drawing environment is not fixed—I draw anytime, anywhere. In this situation, my iPad has become my best mate, and I take it with me wherever I go.
Because of my job, I talk to many people every day and share ideas and information. These talks often give me new thoughts, which I try to memo down. Sometimes, these thoughts inspire me and become the ideas for my artwork.
Illustration by Jiawen
7. As a young artist, how do you balance personal expression with market needs?
I keep working on personal projects even while doing commissioned work. Through these personal pieces, I often express my thoughts and feelings about certain themes at different stage. When I share these works on social media, they often lead to new job opportunities. This helps me stay excited about my commissioned work and also gives me a better idea of what parts of my style are in demand, so I can create more of that in the future.
8. How do you handle stress and maintain a healthy mindset under the pressure of creating?
It might be a bit cliché, but staying active really is the best way for me to keep my mind clear and cope with anxiety and depression.
Illustration by Jiawen
9. Are there any artists or mentors who’ve had a big impact on you?
Thanks to the popularity of social media, I’m constantly surrounded by the work of many amazing artists every day. I believe that by browsing their work frequently, I’m always being influenced by their artistic styles and creativity. Artists like Peter Doig, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, and Paul Klee have greatly inspired me as I’ve learned to use flat, abstract symbols in my own work. Some of my personal series, like Flowers and Fragments, were created after seeing their work and being inspired by it.
Illustration by Jiawen
10. Do you have a dream project or ideal collaboration? Could you tell us more?
Most of my current commissioned work is single-piece projects with short timelines. Moving forward, I’d like to challenge myself with longer-term projects, such as series- based products or picture books.
Illustration by Jiawen
11. If you weren’t an illustrator, what career path do you think you’d be on?
If there were no barriers, I’d love to be a museum tour guide.
Illustration by Jiawen
Illustration by Jiawen
12. What advice or encouragement would you give to young illustrators just starting out?
The journey of creation is long—staying patient and humble is the belief I hold on to.
Photo of Jiawen