Meet Yunyi Dai | Children’s Book and Editorial Illustrator

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

Hi Yunyi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I discovered drawing and painting when I was a kid, and this passion has remained with me ever since. After exploring various mediums and techniques, my love for color naturally led me to focus on themes such as children, animals, food, nature, health, and lifestyle in my creative career.

I chose to pursue degrees in illustration, both during my undergraduate studies and in graduate school. These educational experiences allowed me to hone and refine my skills and deepen my understanding of visual storytelling.

During my time working with NPR Next Generation Radio as the Lead Project Illustrator, I had the opportunity to travel and collaborate with reporters from around the US. It was immensely fulfilling to contribute to the storytelling process and bring their visions to life visually.

In my children’s book and editorial illustrations, I strive to create vibrant worlds filled with whimsical creatures, captivating interiors, and fantastical landscapes. I find great joy in bringing my artwork to life by incorporating motion and constructing playful scenes in 3D. These techniques enhance the narrative within the picture and activate the story. Being an illustrator is a path that allows me to make a meaningful impact through visual narrative.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When it comes to my work, I put a lot of emphasis on color, shapes, and composition. Before diving into a project, I dedicate a considerable amount of time to brainstorming and mapping out shapes and values in grayscale. Throughout the process of illustration, I embrace a painterly approach, adding texture and depth with a splash of vibrant colors.

I want to be recognized as a skilled visual storyteller by offering unique conceptual solutions. I find it meaningful to assist others in telling their stories, as well as expressing my own.

I have had the incredible honor of collaborating with amazing clients throughout my journey. Some recent clients include Bethesda Magazine, Green American Magazine, The Girlfriend from AARP, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and more. Additionally, I just wrapped up illustrating a children’s book, which is set to hit the shelves in the next few months! Seeing my illustrations come to life in a published book is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.

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 a regular at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, which takes place on the Sunday of every month. It is a massive gathering that allows me to explore and support the numerous small local businesses around Pasadena.

I also frequently keep track of the events scheduled at the Pasadena Convention Center. One notable convention I attended this year was Monsterpalooza. Meeting incredibly skilled creature design artists and exploring a wide array of spooky and captivating vendor offerings was an exhilarating experience.

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 am immensely thankful for the challenges, guidance, and support that enriched my journey as an illustrator during my time in the Illustration as Visual Essay Program at the School of Visual Arts. The program not only provided me with a solid understanding of visual narrative but also connected me with some of the greatest artists and educators. I was able to develop and create my personal series, which has been a tremendous learning journey for me.

I also cannot express enough gratitude to NPR Next Generation Radio for the incredible opportunities — collaborating with some of the most inspiring journalists and illustrators. Working alongside them was a greatly rewarding experience that allowed me to broaden my horizons and further develop my skills as an editorial illustrator for the past five years.

I am genuinely thankful for these experiences and the remarkable mentors who have contributed to my growth and development in the creative field.

Website: https://yunyidaiart.com/

Instagram: @yunyidai

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yunyi-dai-3b1b55126/

Twitter: @yunyidaiart

Other: Email: studio@yunyidaiart.com

Image Credits
Illustrated by Yunyi Dai