Welcome to Yiting’s Image Library
Illustration by Yiting
1. Congratulations on winning the ADC Young Guns award! How are you feeling about it?
Winning the ADC Young Guns award feels incredibly exciting and surreal. I’ve admired this award since my days as a student, looking up to the past winners who inspired my journey. Achieving this milestone early in my career is especially meaningful—it’s both an affirmation of my work and proof that my style has developed to a point where others can recognize its unique qualities. Being part of a community of boundary-pushing creatives is truly motivating, and it inspires me to keep evolving in my work.
Graphic Motion by Yiting
2. Looking back, are there any memorable moments in your journey as a motion designer and an illustrator?
Looking back, there are so many memorable moments that have shaped my path as a designer and illustrator. One of the most defining was creating the title sequence for Once Upon A Bite, a Chinese food documentary. This was a school project I developed at SVA, marking my first attempt to integrate illustration within animation—a style that then evolved into my signature approach.The title sequence gained significant recognition, bringing in multiple awards and affirming my commitment to pursuing this path.
It all ties back to my childhood love for drawing. My dad, though not an artist, always encouraged me to “keep drawing.” His words stayed with me, especially during college, when I realized that motion design could unite design, illustration, and animation in a way that felt like my own creative language. Each project now deepens my dedication to this journey, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Graphic Motion by Yiting
3. How did your artistic style develop? What are some of your main sources of inspiration?
I used to feel unsure about finding my own artistic style. At SVA, studying graphic design trained me to adapt styles to suit different projects, focusing on what each brand or concept needed. This flexibility sometimes felt at odds with illustration, where having a distinct, recognizable style is key. But as I kept drawing, my style started to emerge on its own. It grew naturally and began to reflect my personality—a process I think is true for every mature illustrator. A style isn’t just something you create on demand; it evolves with you and eventually becomes an authentic part of who you are.
Plants have always been my creative “safe zone.” Their natural forms offer freedom and versatility, and I enjoy using them as focal points or accents in different work. Incorporating my own house plants adds a personal touch, like seeing close friends appear in my work. I choose specific plants based on each project’s needs, from realistic renderings to abstract forms, as their shapes blend seamlessly with any style.
Graphic Motion by Yiting
4. What’s a typical creative day like for you? How do you keep the ideas flowing?
Everyday scenes, objects, and quiet, fleeting moments are endless sources of inspiration for me. I’ve had a habit of noting small, interesting details since childhood, no matter how ordinary they may seem. This practice has become a natural part of my life and creative process.
Last year, I discovered I have aphantasia, meaning I can’t visualize specific images in my mind and instead rely on feelings and experiences in my creative process. This made me realize that my habit of recording everyday details actually serves as a personal “image library” and a key source of inspiration. One recent series, inspired by quirky chairs I’ve encountered in New York, includes a chair chained to a pole—a moment that made me wonder about its story. These captured scenes, while perhaps unnoticed by others, often find their way into my creative work.
5. Do you have any favorite art tools or mediums? How have these mediums influenced your digital style and techniques?
While most of my work is digital now, my years painting with watercolor as a hobby have definitely shaped my approach. I love watercolor’s imperfect quality, which influences my preference for organic, hand-drawn lines over perfectly smooth vector lines.
My experience with silkscreen printing has also had a big impact on my style. Silkscreen requires mixing your own pigments, and I love the even, solid color it produces. This experience has greatly influenced my color choices, leading me to favor pure, flat colors and a limited palette in each project, which has become a defining feature in my work.
Illustration by Yiting
6. Your work often conveys a sense of emotion or story—how do you weave that into your art?
The storytelling aspect of my work evolved naturally from my design background, where I was trained to prioritize strong, fitting concepts before execution. This mindset pushes me to create pieces that not only look beautiful but also convey a story. I want each work to feel like it has something to say, connecting with viewers on a deeper level rather than just visually pleasing them. For me, design isn’t complete without a narrative or emotion that brings the work to life.
7. In your view, what qualities make for a successful young illustrator?
A successful young illustrator needs a blend of curiosity, patience, and authenticity. Curiosity fuels the pursuit of new ideas, techniques, and subject matter, while patience helps in embracing challenges, waiting for opportunities, and evolving through feedback. Authenticity is vital—having a distinct, personal voice makes an illustrator’s work memorable and stand out. Adaptability is also key; the ability to grow creatively keeps their work fresh and relevant. Ultimately, the most successful young illustrators are true to their unique vision, yet open to change and continual growth.
Graphic Motion by Yiting
8. As a young artist, how do you balance personal expression with market needs?
Each project gives me the chance to integrate my style and perspective into the client’s brief, shaping my voice to support the story they want to tell. My background in design and branding industry experience have helped me strike a balance between creative expression and purpose. Most clients now approach me because they connect with my work and style, which often provides the freedom to express myself fully. Though I haven’t encountered clients who ask me to follow trendy styles, I prefer not to align with fleeting market trends. I believe that trends eventually expire, and truly impactful designs are those that continue to inspire over time. While I prioritize the client’s vision when it best aligns with their goals, I’m always open to suggesting alternatives if I believe they can further enhance the project’s impact.
Illustration by Yiting
9. How do you handle stress and maintain a healthy mindset under the pressure of creating?
I keep a balanced mindset by reminding myself that while work is endless, life and well-being come first. I avoid overcommitting and only take on projects that align with my time and interest. I’ve also learned the importance of saying no and pushing back when needed. When stress builds up during a project, I make it a point to step away, allowing myself to recharge, knowing that inspiration and good solutions don’t arise under pressure. This approach helps me stay creative and ready to handle challenges with a clear mind.
10. Are there any artists or mentors who’ve had a big impact on you?
I’m fortunate to have met many inspiring professors, colleagues, and friends who have deeply shaped my understanding of design. Richard Mehl and Ori Kleiner, my design and motion instructors at SVA, introduced me to the world of animation and design, and they’ve been supportive mentors ever since. Enle Li, who I’ve always looked up to and is now a friend, continues to offer guidance and encouragement. Not many designers work across both animation and illustration as Enle does, and seeing that possibility has inspired me to fuse my skills across multiple fields.
Illustration by Yiting
11. Do you have a dream project or ideal collaboration? Could you tell us more?
While much of my work is digital, I have a deep passion for print, from calendars and books to stationary like notebooks and tapes. Beyond dream collaborations with brands like Apple, Nike, and Hermès, I’m excited by any project that’s bold, creative, and allows for personal expression. Being able to create something tangible, something I can see or hold, would be especially fulfilling.
Graphic Motion by Yiting
12.What advice or encouragement would you give to young creatives just starting out?
Starting a creative career is never easy, so patience and self-belief are essential. The market is already filled with talented, experienced creatives, so finding your own audience will take time. Along the way, it’s normal to question yourself and your style, wondering if it aligns with what the market needs. Trust that your unique voice will resonate with the right audience, and stay committed to refining your craft—your dedication and authenticity will ultimately set you apart.
Photo of Yiting