Meet Zixin Chen | Illustrator

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

Hi Zixin, why did you pursue a creative career?
As the only child growing up in a small town, I found immense joy in all kinds of pictures books and animated movies. Those solitary moments were my happiest. Beck then, imitating every picture I liked with a pencil was my only artistic expression, but the power of imagery was already so strong in the eyes of a little girl.

While I was practicing my drawing skills, I’ve encountered literature when black ink on white paper moved me to tears. I also found old films with their blurry images equally captivating. That was when I realized the magic came not only from the visual impact but also from the art of storytelling, and the realization sparked my profound desire to become an artist. I won’t be satisfied with only having good drawing skills but working a noncreative job. I want to be an artist who could bring people the same happiness and heartbreak, the feeling of awe, the moments of understanding and connection that once brought to me by the artists I admire.

I chose illustration as my major and my career. To me, illustration is a constantly evolving and highly diverse form of art. We can illustrate an epic poem, new discoveries in scientific fields, or the love story between my neighbor and his cat. That makes illustration the perfect companion in my journey to explore and make sense of the world, and to transform the unseen and the unspeakable into art, which has been my dream since I opened my first picture book.

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.
Many people ask me how I developed my current style, and I always say that I draw what I am most passionate about. I enjoy having many elements in my artwork and exploring their relationships in terms of size and proximity. Everything has a clear, solid edge to emphasize their graphic shapes and the negative space between them. I also use colors in ways that are not typically seen in real life. It is the balance among all the elements in a drawing that satisfies me and forms my style, which can be described as decorative and psychedelic.

It hasn’t always been easy. As a creator, I sometimes feel that my work holds more significance and presence than I do. When I strive to improve my drawings, aiming to better convey my ideas, I can become anxious and obsessive.

I always enjoy it when my life is dedicated solely to creating. But when I feel uneasy about my art and paranoid that I am not doing enough, I begin to contemplate what is truly essential in life. Chores, exercise, and casual small talk may seem unrelated to the artistic process, yet they undeniably constitute life, enabling us to continue creating with a more expansive perspective.

It’s not only art that inspires art, and we can never predict what element of life will become our next inspiration. Moreover, we can never know where our art might find its place. In talking with people from different industries, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my art is appreciated by a diverse audience and holds the potential to speak for people from various backgrounds.

Now, when I look back at the sketches I endlessly revised and the trendy styles I once admired, I realize that no matter how stunning or sophisticated they seem, they can’t compare to the way of drawing that comes most naturally to me because it allows me to be the most sincere in my expression. I believe what artists express through imagery makes art more than just nice-looking pictures, and that is what will sustain my artistic journey for the rest of my life.

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?
First of all we have the best museums and galleries here in New York City that just can’t be missed. I would also include the gift shops especially the ones at MET, MoMA, and Guggenheim. It would also be fun to check out the student shows at the art schools around here to see the most fresh and pure art by the future stars. My personal favorite part of the trip would be us visiting the bookstores. Bookstores are everywhere, and we get to read books from all around the world because how culturally diverse NYC is. Book hunting can be extra fun if we visit the used book store. Last but not least, there are one or more nights that we should spend watching Broadway musicals. Just don’t have too many drinks inside if you’re on a budget.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my professors and my mentor at my grad program at School of Visual Arts ! They guided me throughout the whole journey and helped me find my own voice. Also I was so lucky to meet my friends in our class. We’ve grown together and I can’t wait to see everyone shines.

Website: https://www.zixinchen.com

Instagram: @zixinchenart