Yixin Zeng

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Conceptual

Fantasy

Graphic

Nature

People

Child and cat watching giant white rabbit in cityscape by Yixin Zeng

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Abstract dark space scene with planets, stars, and geometric patterns

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Detailed close-up of a stylish wristwatch face with abstract designs

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Visitors viewing immersive digital deer art installation by Yixin Zeng

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Urban plaza with digital billboard and people outdoors by Yixin Zeng

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Illuminated Glenfiddich display with bright fiery deer artwork by Yixin Zeng

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His work has a magical touch

Excitingly imaginative

Based in Sichuan province, Yixin relishes the challenge of communicating concepts in original and abstract ways. He takes the idea behind a brief and pushes it to the limit, bending reality and adding in dozens of unexpected details to make each piece memorable and impactful. Ever since he first saw the work of the Norwegian artist Kay Nielsen, Yixin has wanted to become an illustrator, so he studied at the Sichuan University of Media and Communications and the China Academy of Art to make his dream a reality.

Approach

Experimentation is at the heart of Yixin’s process, finding never-before-seen compositions through intense drafting, then solidifying his line work on his iPad before colouring and finishing it in Photoshop.

Style

Reality is deconstructed and reimagined in the landscapes Yixin draws. He uses strong line work, bright colours, clever concepts and just the right level of detail to communicate his client’s message in profound ways, capturing the viewer’s imagination in the process.

Languages

Chinese with written English.

Impressions

Interview

Video

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Interview

What led you to become an illustrator? When I was in college, I took the course of illustration. I got to know a series of illustration artists like Yoshitaka Amano, Kay Nielsen and James Jean, which started my illustration career. Did you study illustration in college? I began to learn painting at a young age: Chinese painting, gouache painting, sketch, oil painting and so on. Until I was 19 years old, I studied illustration in Sichuan University of Media and Communication, and finished the illustration course in China Academy of Art in my sophomore year. It was a very unforgettable experience, and it also enlightened my determination to be a professional illustrator. Where did you grow up? I was born in Chongqing city, China, and grew up in Sichuan Province. Do you have a childhood memory relating to drawing/art that you hold dear? At the age of three, I began to learn painting, and at the age of eight, I learned Chinese painting. At that time, I just painted some freehand flower and bird paintings, and then went to the line drawing of ancient beauties. When I was about ten years old, I found that I was good at describing animals, plants, people and all the scenes of the natural environment. Until I began to systematically learn professional painting, the styles of different painting schools gradually influenced me, until they evolved into my current painting language: the combination of different physical states, grotesque ideas, and strange composition, all of which are for the purpose of completing the story narrative I want to express. Where do you live now and what drew you there? I now live in Shanghai, which is a very inclusive city, which has broadened my artistic aesthetic. My works are also deeply influenced by Shanghai culture, which can be traced in many details. Describe your studio for us I founded my Studio, Yixin Illustration in 2019, which is in the Wukang Building in the heart of the French Concession in Shanghai's Xuhui District. In the middle of summer, the road is filled with French plane trees that look very romantic. I have a blue cat named Pippi, now he has become one of my important family members. Who or What is your biggest inspiration? My biggest creative inspiration this year comes from a collection of poems. Recently, I have been reading the poems of Haizi and Yu Xiuhua, which contain a wider range of creative inspiration. I can't help but think of a random excerpt. If you could collaborate with another artist or creative of any genre, living or dead, who would it be? I would have loved to have worked with Andy Warhol. He was such a pure artist, pioneering contemporary art and pop culture and sticking to his own art. I admire him. When I was confined to my home in May last year due to the epidemic, I watched his documentary and was deeply impressed.If you had to write your own epitaph in one sentence, what would it say? A quote from Misoshi Nara - 'Never forget your beginner’s spirit.' Is there a work lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way? Reading and constantly exploring more possibilities of painting are what I need to learn throughout my life. It broadens my artistic horizons and finds the best answers at each stage of painting's growth. What's your most prized possession and why? My most precious should be my firm heart for painting. Do you collect anything? Yes, I have a habit of collecting art and buying books by artists, I just picked up two James Jean prints in November and love them so much I couldn't put them down. Who is your art hero? Anyone who has contributed to the cause of art can become my teacher, predecessor, and object of admiration. If you were not an illustrator, what would you be? If I wasn't an illustrator, I think I'd open a bakery because I really have a sweet tooth! If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? I've been to Paris and spent an entire day at the Louvre; Cycling in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Visiting the Tintin Museum in Belgium. Also skiing in Hokkaido; swimming in Bali; Hot air balloon ride in Cappadochia, Turkey, they are really my precious memories! After the epidemic is over, I want to go to New Zealand and New York. What was the last exhibition you saw and loved? Recently I went to Shanghai West Bund Art Center to watch the 10th anniversary special exhibition. It was wonderful. I was deeply impressed by the works of many artists, such as the original works of Kerry James Marshall and Rene Magritte. Do you have any tips/advice for other illustrators? Young illustrators should constantly try new painting themes, not limited to the needs of the market to create works. If you want to create a moving painting, you must follow your heart, work patiently, and find your own painting style and language.

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