Meet Chiara Xie | Illustrator

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

Hi Chiara, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that being a freelance illustrator entails significant risks. Freelancing is an occupation fraught with financial uncertainty and anxiety. From a professional standpoint, developing and honing a personal artistic voice presents considerable challenges for illustrators. The more unique one’s visual style is in the market, the riskier it becomes. Risk can serve as a driving force, but it also has the potential to negatively impact mental health. Overcoming such risks is a lifelong practice for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artwork centers around themes related to technology and lifestyle, blending elements of dream states with recognizable aspects of daily life. Through spatial design and surrealistic narratives, I strive to define a new lifestyle that embraces the co-existence of Utopia and Dystopia. As an illustrator, I am driven to create my unique interpretation of current social affairs, believing that having a personal voice is essential, as it adds distinctiveness and intrigue to each artwork. My undergraduate study in the states has played a pivotal role in enhancing my critical thinking and research skills, which I find invaluable in my creative process.

I firmly believe that continuous learning is crucial in the field of illustration, despite the occasional challenges it may present. Embracing this journey of ongoing improvement is integral to my artistic growth.

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?
If you visit London, you absolutely cannot miss the exhibitions at the National Gallery, the vintage market in Brick Lane, the Dim Sum in Chinatown, and the wildlife experience in Bushy Park.

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 think my boyfriend is incredibly helpful because he always supports my pursuit of illustration, even though I didn’t initially study it. Sometimes, I worry that my work might not be good enough, especially when comparing myself to others with extensive art backgrounds. However, my boyfriend consistently supports me, and I consider myself fortunate to have him by my side.

Moreover, the illustration department podcast and Mr. Castellano have been invaluable in my life. Through these resources, I’ve gained numerous insights into the illustration field and received candid, constructive portfolio reviews from Mr. Castellano.

Website: https://chiaraxie.art/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiraeuphutopia/

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