Meet Bingjie BJ Cui | Freelance Illustrator & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bingjie BJ Cui and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bingjie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Born and raised in Xinjiang, China, I’ve been surrounded by ethnic aesthetics. I believe my childhood and life in Xinjiang are significant parts of where I am now. The ethnic fabric is popular in my hometown. Rich colors, cultural symbolism, and the story behind them trigger my interest in visual communication. I was inspired by local culture and spirit at an early age. They are more like roots in my mind, they led to the later vibrant colors and whimsical elements shown in my drawings.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a multidiciplinary artist with an academic background spanning environmental science, urban planning and design, and illustration, so it was not that easy in my early journey to illustration. As mentioned above, I had to balance the ‘rational’ thinking and ’emotional’ feeling during my creation.

From thumbnails to final rendering, I love to draw my thoughts down on paper, no matter if it’s just a shape. Reading, movies, and science fiction are my inspiration land. I enjoy the process of interpreting my reaction and feeling toward text with visual language, collecting visual symbols, and drawing down life moments. Thus, for me, keeping a sketchbook is vital for creation. It also allows me to experiment with different techniques and play around with textures in my later artwork.

As I commence my art journey as a freelance illustrator, I’m passionate about interweaving science fiction, poetry, and art. I want to create inspiring and vibrant visual experiences for my readers with whimsical and surreal elements.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friends to Griffith Park for a picnic day. At night, we can catch the best view of LA from Griffith Observatory. Then, Manhatten Beach is definitely on the top list. The wide beaches and surf culture are a wonderful choice for a holiday. Los Angeles County Museum of Art is another place worth trying. About food, Main Chick Hot Chicken is a nice spot in the city. A chill vibe for friends’ gatherings and outdoor recreation.

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?
I would dedicate my shutout to my professor Ryan Sanchez from SCAD. During my early journey to illustration, I found it challenging to balance my ‘rational’ background in science and the ‘emotional’ thinking in art. Ryan is always supportive with constructive suggestions. I was initially drawn to the editorial market, and Ryan’s sharing thoughts on the effective communication was like a guide, which also inspired me to branch out in my later art journey.

Website: https://www.yaybj.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaybj.art/