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

Hi Ruijie, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Personally, there are various methods for generating creative ideas, such as through photography, film, and exhibition visits. I often draw inspirations from diverse media that I engage with. Once my ideas have developed sufficiently, I begin by creating preliminary sketches, selecting the one that aligns most closely with the business theme. While having numerous ideas is important, the challenge lies in selecting one to refine further. To address this, I often seek feedback from colleagues, particularly fellow illustrators, to critique and help refine my final sketches.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
On my journey toward building an artistic career, I believe the greatest challenge has been maintaining a balanced mindset and not allowing the restless commercial market and surrounding job pressures to sway me. Sometimes I felt lost and anxious about my future, especially when the art I poured my heart and soul into wasn’t embraced by the market. I would begin to question the value of my work, often comparing myself to other illustrators of my age and background. This only intensified my negative emotions, leading to frustration, impatience, and the temptation to mimic the styles of accomplished illustrators in hopes of faster success.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that this approach only clouds one’s creative vision. I want to remind other illustrators facing similar struggles not to abandon their passion for illustration, and not to chase success by imitating others. Instead, respond to the market with an open and positive heart. Like myself, I continue to refine the unique style I love, finding fulfillment not in pursuing material rewards but in knowing my illustrations can heal and bring warmth to others, forging deep emotional connections. For me, it is this emotional resonance that distinguishes my work from others and gives it true value.

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 I could invite my closest friends to a specific place to me, definitely is New York, where I have lived and studied. Our adventure would begin with a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a place where history breathes through masterpieces, allowing us to trace humanity’s artistic legacy with each step. From there, we’d wander into the tranquility of Central Park, spreading a picnic blanket on the sun-drenched grass, surrounded by street musicians and artists who bring the city’s creative spirit to life. This would feel like a quiet and deep conversation with the heart of New York itself.

In the afternoon, we’d drift through the streets of Soho or Chelsea, where the rhythm of the city slows, and it is obvious to see that the street art on walls become an expression of literary and art. Sipping afternoon tea amidst the charm of these neighborhoods, we may absorb the energy of street art and architecture. As evening falls, we would return to Times Square, a beacon of New York’s electric pulse. Standing at the center of it all, we would feel the exhilarating rush of being at the crossroads of the world.

This trip, however, wouldn’t just be about witnessing iconic landmarks. It would be an invitation for my friends to discover the rich currents of art and humanity that truly define this extraordinary city of New York.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As an international art student in New York, I am deeply appreciative of my parents and family for their unwavering support in enabling me to pursue my aspirations abroad. Their financial backing has granted me the freedom to fully express my artistic abilities and creativity in New York, a city teeming with both opportunities and challenges. Additionally, their emotional support and patience have significantly influenced the development of my illustration style, which is characterized by warmth and a sense of healing. Moreover, New York’s openness and inclusivity towards art provided me with the invaluable opportunity to engage with seasoned artists and illustrators from diverse cultural backgrounds, such as Lisk Feng and Toma Vagner. Furthermore, collaborating with fellow young illustrators who share passion for the field has expanded my perspectives and deepened my understanding of illustration, especially through the exchange of industry resources.

Website: https://ryang1293ee.myportfolio.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruijie-yang-268107329/?locale=zh_CN

Image Credits
Image Credits:
Maki Huang-Photographer(personal photo)
Ruijie Yang-Photographer(artwork photos)

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