Meet Yifeng Ma | Illustrator, entertainment artist

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

Hi Yifeng, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have been passionate about art since I was very young. As an introverted child, I found more happiness in staying home and sketching than in hanging out with other kids. My early works often revolved around storytelling, creating imaginative worlds that I wanted to live in. I drew my dream house, farms, and everything I longed to have.

I began to take my habit of sketching seriously in high school. When I started thinking about my future, I realized that the one thing I would never regret was continuing to draw and express myself through art. I am particularly interested in background painting because it allows me to construct imaginative scenes, something I have loved doing since childhood.

I believe art is a powerful means of communication, allowing us to connect with others without words. I feel most fulfilled when people appreciate my art and when my work can positively impact others. This is why I chose to pursue an artistic career, and I hope to continue bringing joy and inspiration to people through my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an illustrator with a special interest in entertainment art. I love developing stories through the design of characters, props, and environments. I enjoy the process of sketching, and I use composition, perspective, color, and lighting to enhance my artwork and storytelling. I consider myself a very patient person, and I immerse myself in every painting I create. I’m proud of my artworks and strive to share my unique perspective with others, hoping to inspire and bring joy to them through my creations. My goal is to connect with people emotionally and visually, offering them a glimpse into the world as I see it.

Reaching this point in my career hasn’t been easy. Being an artist is one of the most challenging endeavors I’ve faced, but I am grateful to be on this path. There were many moments when I doubted my abilities, especially when comparing my work to others. I often questioned whether talent or hard work was more important. However, I was fortunate to receive help and encouragement from those around me and from within myself. I dedicated a lot of time to practicing art, learning everything from basic perspective to advanced color and lighting techniques, and steadily building my skill set. I believe it’s crucial for an artist to continually learn new techniques and refresh their mindset.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to always believe in yourself. Everyone is different, and you can’t compare yourself to others using an unchangeable standard. Whatever difficulties you face, they haven’t stopped you from getting to where you are now. Do your best and don’t overthink the future. Enjoy the moment, do what brings you joy, and never stop learning.

I want the world to know that I am excited to share my perspective through my art. Any small positive impact I can make motivates me to continue pushing forward.

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?
I am currently located in Pasadena, California, where the sunshine always brings me joy. If my best friend comes to visit, I would organize the trip into two parts: exploring local culture and enjoying the natural beauty.

For a taste of the local culture, I would start with a visit to the Rose Bowl Flea Market. This bustling market is a treasure trove of creativity, where my friend can meet many talented artisans and discover unique handmade items. The variety of goods on display is always fascinating, and I find endless inspiration in the creativity of others.

Next, we would head to Old Town Pasadena, a charming area perfect for walking and dining. Here, we could enjoy a culinary journey around the world with the diverse food options available. My favorite activity in Old Town is to find a cozy coffee shop, where we could either chat leisurely or I could get some work done in a relaxed setting. Many of my creative ideas have come to life in this environment.

As someone who deeply enjoys peace and nature, I would also take my friend to some of the beautiful natural spots nearby. In California, we are fortunate to have both mountains and beaches. One evening, we would visit the hillsides of Angeles Crest, where we could gaze at the city lights and stars. It’s a breathtaking experience that combines the beauty of nature with the sparkle of the city.

We would also spend a day at one of California’s stunning beaches. Laguna Beach is my personal favorite, with its serene shoreline and picturesque views. A walk along the beach, accompanied by the sound of waves and the company of a good friend, is pure bliss.

I believe this blend of cultural exploration and natural serenity would make for an unforgettable week-long trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my family for supporting every choice I’ve made, including my decision to become an artist. I also want to thank my high school art teachers in Pennsylvania and California for their incredible encouragement and guidance in helping me pursue my artistic path. Additionally, I am grateful to all my instructors and friends in college who have boosted my confidence in art and helped me become a better person.

Website: https://www.yvonneart233.com/

Instagram: yvonne_art233

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-ma-14b5401a9/