Meet Xiaoyan Sun | Illustrator & Designer

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

Hi Xiaoyan, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The key to success is finding the balance between an artistic vision and an awareness of market demands. I want my work to serve as a ‘pause’ in today’s fast-paced world—not just complementing the narrative but also drawing the audience into an imaginary realm.

At the same time, I stay focused on the industry by continuously entering international competitions such as the Society of Illustrators, 3×3, Communication Arts, the World Illustration Awards, and Hiii Illustration. While awards don’t define art, they are a great way to test my skills and expand my perspective.

Industry recognition alone is never enough—creativity is always the heart of illustration. By the time a style or trend becomes truly popular, it’s often already past its peak. That’s why my work isn’t about chasing trends but rather about personal exploration, aiming to create something with lasting impact and evoke deeper memories in the audience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Perhaps it sounds unusual, but most of my illustrations are realistic—realistic depictions of my dreams. Creating is like capturing the colors of my dreams and applying them to real-world projects. I have always believed that images convey emotions more subtly and intimately than words. Unlike direct narration, they act as mirrors, allowing viewers to find their own story within the illustration.

In professional development, my work has appeared on various platforms, earning awards, exhibition opportunities, and clients—something I could never have imagined just a few years ago. Looking back, I realize how these invaluable opportunities and experiences have shaped my artistic voice and confidence. The greatest challenge as an independent illustrator has been navigating the phase of self-doubt. It’s a solitary battlefield; often there is no collaborator to share your moods and the only reference point is your past self. I frequently find myself questioning—Am I making the right choices? Is this the best path for me right now? However, in the end, the thing that always helps me move forward is my pen. Think less, draw more, and never idealize the path you haven’t walked.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is not an easy question in New York. The Chelsea gallery district, MoMA, the Met, and the Whitney are must-visit. Whether you’re into modern or traditional art, the sheer density of world-class collections here is unmatched.

Broadway is another experience you can’t miss—each season brings outstanding musicals and plays. What I love most is the sheer vitality of the performances and the dramatic conflicts that unfold on stage.

I highly recommend East Village for food. It offers one of the most diverse selections of Asian cuisine, from Japanese sukiyaki to Vietnamese pho and Chinese hot pot. No matter what you’re craving, it’s bound to satisfy your taste buds.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In my journey, I have been fortunate to meet many incredible professors at the School of Visual Arts who have profoundly influenced me—Nicolas Touron, Tristan Elwell, and Jensine Eckwall. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to enter the field of illustration, nor would I have had the confidence to continue pursuing this path.

I also want to express my gratitude to a special teacher and friend, Monica Ghitescu, for her continuous support and guidance. She is an extraordinary artist and designer, always carrying an exceptional passion for the arts. Whether in commissioned work or teaching, she holds herself to the highest standards. It is her consistency in creative exploration and unwavering enthusiasm that has inspired me.

Website: https://xiaoyansun.net/

Instagram: @xiaoyanillus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiaoyanillus/

Other: Behance: https://www.behance.net/xiaoyansun5