Meet Qingru Yang | Illustrator

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

Hi Qingru, what makes you happy? Why?
When I’m in my room, listening to music and drawing, or relaxing with a TV show, I find myself truly happy. The reason is simple: in these moments, there are no external distractions or looming deadlines. My drawing during these times is purely for my own enjoyment—no expectations, no pressure—just creating whatever I feel like.

I enjoy being in my room because it contains everything I need for both work and relaxation. Whether it’s art supplies or everyday essentials, everything is within reach, which gives me a comforting sense of control. In life, we’re often faced with unpredictable challenges and uncertainties about what lies ahead, so having this personal space where I can freely create and relax is grounding.

Watching videos also plays a big role in my happiness. It’s a way for me to temporarily escape reality and immerse myself in a virtual world. This kind of pure relaxation allows me to let go of the anxieties and plans that usually occupy my mind, offering a brief but much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I enjoy to express real-life situations in my artwork. This approach not only motivates me but also allows my audience to find joy in the content. For example, I once created a series of works about celebrity gossip in the entertainment industry. In these pieces, I highlighted some of the most common scandals in Chinese entertainment, such as infidelity, tax evasion, domestic violence, and money laundering in TV shows. I chose this theme because I believe that celebrities, as public figures, have significant influence, but some of them don’t live up to the moral standards their positions demand. Through these works, I hope to encourage people to be more rational when they follow celebrities, rather than idolizing them.

During the creative process, I gathered a large amount of gossip from the internet and selected a few typical examples to illustrate, such as infidelity, domestic violence, and fake eating in dramas. Initially, I used smooth lines and a generally gray color palette. However, I realized the artwork lacked visual impact and appeal. I decided to remove many of the lines, make the edges less smooth, and use software to change the colors and add texture. Despite these changes, the pieces still felt incomplete.

At that time, I was introduced to Riso printing, which immediately fascinated me. I decided to incorporate Riso’s colors into this project and eventually printed the series using a Riso printer. The unique texture and misalignment that Riso offers made the images richer and more layered, effectively highlighting the glamorous yet often superficial nature of the entertainment industry.

One of the main challenges I faced in my creative journey was not having a consistent style, which caused significant mental stress and made it difficult for me to produce work that I was satisfied with. Every time I tried a new style, I felt a lack of coherence, which only increased my anxiety. To overcome this, I began to experiment widely with different styles and techniques, learning from each attempt. I sought feedback and advice from my teachers and friends, and I gradually learned to accept the imperfections in my work, using them as motivation to keep moving forward.

Eventually, through continuous experimentation and reflection, I discovered my unique way of expression. Importantly, I learned to maintain an open mind during the creative process, embracing uncertainty and allowing myself the freedom to explore different styles and themes without the pressure of immediately finding a fixed style. I want people to understand that my work aims to find a lighthearted perspective on complex and serious topics, using humor as a tool to help people connect on a deeper level.

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.
I’d want to introduce to my friends about two cities—Nanchang, China, where I grew up, and Baltimore, where I currently live. Here’s what I’d recommend:

Nanchang
• Tengwang Pavilion : This iconic structure is a must-see, offering stunning views of the Gan River and a deep dive into Nanchang’s history and culture. It’s a perfect starting point to appreciate the city’s traditional architecture and heritage.
• Bayi Square : The heart of Nanchang, Bayi Square is one of the largest public squares in China. It’s a great place to experience the city’s vibrant energy and see the Monument to the People’s Heroes.
• Nanchang Museum: To explore the city’s history more deeply, the Nanchang Museum offers a comprehensive look at everything from ancient artifacts to revolutionary history.

Food Recommendations:
o Clay Pot Soup: A signature dish of Nanchang, known for its rich, slow-cooked flavors. Served in a clay pot, this soup is both comforting and nourishing, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
o Nanchang Mixed Rice Noodles: A beloved local dish, Nanchang Bànfěn is a type of rice noodle salad, typically served cold and mixed with a savory, spicy sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious representation of Nanchang’s vibrant food culture.

Baltimore
• National Aquarium: Located at the Inner Harbor, this aquarium is one of the best in the country, offering a fascinating look at marine life. It’s an immersive experience with exhibits that showcase everything from tropical rainforests to coral reefs.
• American Visionary Art Museum: This museum is unique in its focus on visionary and self-taught artists. The exhibits are creative, quirky, and often thought-provoking, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
• Inner Harbor: A lively area perfect for walking, shopping, and sightseeing. The Inner Harbor is a central spot in Baltimore with great views, historical ships, and plenty of places to relax by the water.

Food Recommendations:
o Oyster House: For seafood lovers, this place offers some of the best oysters and seafood dishes in Baltimore.
o LP Steamers: A casual spot known for its delicious steamed crabs

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I want to express my gratitude to my parents. Without their support, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to study illustration. Although they didn’t understand this field and initially opposed my decision, they want me to be happy and pursue a career I truly love. After many discussions, they chose to respect my choice, which means the world to me.

Next, I am deeply thankful for the teachers I’ve encountered on my learning journey. I’ve had the chance to learn from a diverse group of educators who not only imparted professional knowledge and shared valuable resources but also offered me encouragement during times of confusion and anxiety, helping me to believe in myself. For instance, when I struggled for weeks to create a piece I was satisfied with and felt really frustrated, I mentioned it to my teachers. They remembered my concerns and took the time to reassure me, reminding me that no artist is always happy with their works.

Last, I want to acknowledge my friends and the celebrities who have inspired me. They have provided me with the mental support I needed to keep going. Whether in life or study, I’m someone who easily becomes anxious. When I struggle to manage my emotions, I turn to my friends, who always offer emotional support and help me find solutions. The public figures I admire are singers and athletes. Listening to my favorite singers’ music soothes me and helps me temporarily escape negative emotions, while athletes’ perseverance and dedication continuously inspire me to keep pushing forward.

Instagram: qingru_art

Image Credits
Qingru Yang