Meet Fengyi Ye | Visual. Artist & Illustrator

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

Hi Fengyi, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
During my university years at School of Visual. Arts, I was mainly focused on work and academic achievements, often at the expense of truly living life. This intense focus persisted into my junior year. However, with time, after graduation, I’ve come to appreciate the necessity of a harmonious work-life balance. Rather than confining myself to the studio for endless hours of drawing, I now strategically manage my time to include moments of leisure and self-care. I savor culinary delights, revel in the discovery of new locales and shops, and maintain a regular fitness routine that reinvigorates my spirit and keeps me grounded in a healthy routine. It’s this blend of activities that sustains my vibrancy as an individual. Today, I am committed to this balanced routine, which I believe is essential for preserving my energy and creativity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic journey began in the historic heart of Rome, Italy, a city renowned for its rich artistic heritage. Growing up there, I was surrounded by a wealth of cultural treasures that nurtured my young imagination. At the age of twelve, my life’s canvas shifted as I moved to Shanghai, and then at fourteen, I delved into the culture at a British international school. Now, as an illustrator based in New York, I am committed to creating art that goes beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to produce pieces that deeply connect with communities. Each move interlaced a rich variety of cultures, people, and ideas into the fabric of my life, fostering a spirit of openness and curiosity about the world.

My ability to communicate in three languages, coupled with the rich tapestry of cultures I’ve experienced, has deeply enriched my art, instilling a deep respect for diversity that significantly shapes both my personal ethos and professional values.

Among my accolades is a commercial series that celebrates the 12 Zodiac signs. To date, I have completed the first two: ‘Zodiac Rabbit 2023’ and ‘Zodiac Dragon 2024.’ The piece “Zodiac Rabbit 2023” not only captivated audiences on Chinese social media but also sparked a synergistic collaboration with a Shanghai puzzle company and earned the spotlight on China Central Television (CCTV). My heart swells with pride at its acknowledgment in three global illustration competitions, where it clinched awards and nominations within the Advertising category for ‘Word of Illustration 2023’, ‘Society of Illustrators’, and ‘Ijungle Awards’. These accolades, featured on various official websites, have captured the attention of a global audience.

Looking forward, I am excited about unveiling my ‘Zodiac Dragon 2024’ artwork to a global audience through international platforms and competitions. My aim is to broaden my reach and impart my unique artistic perspective to an increasingly diverse audience. Concurrently, I’m emboldened and filled with confidence to craft an entire series of the 12 zodiac signs, each with intricately detailed scenes within the zodiac figures themselves.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d plan a fun week showing them around New York. We’d start with a two-hour boat ride where we could eat, drink, and see the Statue of Liberty up close. It’s a great way to catch up and enjoy the sights. I’d also take them to see the amazing art at MOMA and the MET. We’d spend a few hours there, looking at all the cool art pieces. For dinner, we’d head to Ktown and the East Village for some great Korean and Chinese food. And of course, we’d have to try different desserts from the shops around there.

Ideally, we’d take a break from the city noise and go for a walk on the Long Island trail to Port Washington. It’s a peaceful place where we can enjoy the outdoors and fresh air. Then, we’d go for brunch in Jersey City. There’s some tasty food there, and we can take it easy walking around Newport, looking at the amazing view of Manhattan from the other side of the river.

This week would be all about enjoying the big city life, relaxing in nature, and checking out some great art and food. It’s all the stuff that makes New York a great place to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to extend a heartfelt shoutout to VOX Puzzle, an innovative Shanghai-based company that has been instrumental in transforming my zodiac series from a mere concept into a tangible product with international reach. Their collaborative spirit and expertise were pivotal in the successful launch of my ‘Rabbit 2023’ puzzle series last year, which sold over 2,000 units in China alone. This success not only broadened my fan base on social media but also reinforced my passion for design. Currently, we are working diligently on the ‘Dragon 2024’ series, with sales set to commence this upcoming February. It’s an exhilarating journey to develop all 12 zodiac signs with a team as supportive and visionary as VOX Puzzle, and I eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration.

Website: https://www.fengyiye-art.com/

Instagram: artblog.yfy