Meet Yuyi Si | Designer & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yuyi Si and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yuyi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up with picture books, comics, and TV series that inspired me to create my own stories, so I developed the desire to become a storyteller in the future. Even though the concept was still blurry back then, I knew I would keep discovering more.

As I always enjoyed observing the world and expressing myself through drawing, it was natural that later on, I received formal art training in high school. This led me to pursue professional skills as a designer in college and grad school, where I was exposed to a broader horizon that allowed me to refresh the concept of my childhood dream. Along the way, I made friends with diverse professional backgrounds, drawing numerous inspirations from performing arts, exhibitions, and traveling. They ignited my passion for exploration, fueled my continuous curiosity about the world, and expanded my understanding of storytelling.

Now I am here, pursuing my initial dream through various mediums in my creative toolkit, and look forward to what I can bring to the field.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe storytelling can be broad and versatile. It serves as the foundation of my approach to design and the driving force behind my work.

A good story and how it reaches people can be found in what already exists. Understanding the context helps me find empathetic starting points, allowing me to apply these insights in a tangible and meaningful way for people. For instance, in one project, I was involved in designing an exhibition at the RISD museum during the challenging period of COVID-19. We utilized the museum’s façade, incorporating reflective materials and outdoor seating in the nearby square to emphasize the exhibition theme. In another exercise, I proposed integrating nature education into the existing interior design and functionality of a library. Incorporating technology, the ambient environment would seamlessly integrate learning into daily life.

There is another crucial aspect of design where storytelling comes into play—visualization. Completing a design is not the end of the story; each project possesses unique qualities, requiring clear and effective methods to convey information and ensure its success. As an artist whose work also appeared in children’s books, educational materials, and posters, I not only apply my aesthetics to the selection of materials, colors, and forms but also pay keen attention to visual communication.

Working in the creative field is not the most worry-free path. I’m learning the importance of taking action instead of overthinking. To remind myself not to be afraid of taking responsibility and making mistakes, I keep a quote on the wall that says “Do it badly” — because by doing something you learned more than doing nothing. Additionally, maintaining different hobbies and skills has been immensely helpful for me. Having many facets allows me to always find the upward part of myself, which is why I never give up on my art and music.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends come to visit New York City, I always recommend they watch Broadway shows or visit the Met Opera. The stage is a magical place where imagination converges, and I met many good friends because of our passion for performing arts.

Another place I will recommend people to check out is the museum. My personal favorite is the American Museum of Natural History — Standing in front of the Hall of Biodiversity, you feel the world’s richness and variety, and there are so many more corners and different ways of life to explore. Or, in the Gilder Center, you can watch tiny ants cutting off a piece of a leaf, and alongside you are old and young people equally full of curiosity, cheering for this feat together. The atmosphere is simply amazing.

And there is also the Highline Park. It has been one of my favorite places ever since I learned about it in school. While strolling along the park, you not only get to enjoy the beautiful views from above, but you also truly experience what it means to be “reborn” when you realize it was once an elevated railroad line.

Furthermore, these places are also excellent learning opportunities. It’s a city filled with stories and great storytellers. If you are one of my artist or designer friends, you will undoubtedly find great inspiration.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to my parents and family who have provided me with everything they could to keep my passion for art and design alive as I explore different lands.

Next, I want to shout out to my friends, two talented artists and designers:

Junyu Lin — she is a picture book and comic artist; her work has been showcased in several exhibitions, and she has been featured in Creative Boom, with exclusive interviews by CanvasRebel and Shoutout LA, highlighting her lasting impact in the art world.

Xuan Cheng — she not only works as a data visualization designer but also as the lead editorial designer of Cherryfruit Communication, making it one of the most renowned queer novel publishers in Macao.

They have been witnessing my growth since our student days, and their creative genius always challenges me to think outside the box, enriching my design works through our endless exchange of ideas.

There are many more people who support me on this journey of exploration. They are all amazing individuals who set a great example of being true to themselves, and they share their knowledge with selflessness and patience, accepting my doubts and anxieties. I am immensely grateful for all of that.

Website: yuyisi.net

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuyi-si-ba99221a3/

Image Credits
My photo was taken by ceramic artist and photographer, Fengkun Yu.