Today we’d like to introduce you to Wenjing Yang.
Wenjing, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey as an illustrator began with a lifelong love for drawing. From a young age, I found joy and solace in putting pencil to paper and creating visual stories. Growing up in Xi’an, China, I was surrounded by a rich cultural heritage that ignited my imagination and sparked my creative spirit. When the time came to choose my path in higher education, I made the bold decision to pursue my passion for art by attending the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City. It was a thrilling opportunity to immerse myself in a vibrant artistic community and learn from talented instructors who shared my passion.
During my first two years at SVA, I focused on honing my technical skills in drawing and painting. I was enthralled by the creative process and delighted in the freedom to express myself through art. At that point, I hadn’t fully grasped the concept of illustration as a profession; I simply reveled in the act of drawing and painting.
However, as my junior year approached and the pressure to embark on my thesis project mounted, I faced a moment of uncertainty. I realized that while I had developed my technical abilities, I lacked direction and purpose in my work. This realization was both disheartening and transformative.
Driven by the desire to find my unique voice as an illustrator, I took a gap year in 2021 due to the pandemic. It provided me with an invaluable opportunity to reflect on my artistic journey and gain a deeper understanding of the illustration field. I delved into research, explored various artistic styles, and studied the works of established illustrators who inspired me.
During this introspective period, I began receiving commissioned assignments from my senior instructors. These projects, though challenging, became instrumental in shaping my growth as an illustrator. I approached them with newfound determination, constantly pushing myself to think like an illustrator and develop a visual style that felt authentic to me.
Surrounded by a supportive artistic community, both within my major and across other creative disciplines, I found inspiration in the diverse perspectives and talents of my peers. From graphic design to photography and even fashion design, I absorbed a wealth of artistic influences that enriched my own creative process.
Beyond the visual arts, I discovered another wellspring of inspiration in speculative fiction. I marveled at the imaginative worlds crafted by authors who dared to explore the “what ifs” and extrapolate the consequences of small changes. This approach resonated with me deeply, and I began infusing my illustrations with a similar sense of wonder and storytelling.
One such example is my series of illustrations titled “Christmas Menu” and “Christmas Dinner.” Prompted by the question of what it would be like if bacteria and viruses celebrated Christmas, I envisioned a whimsical world where even microscopic organisms joined in the holiday festivities. These pieces exemplify my inclination to explore fantastical ideas within the framework of logic and rationality.
Now, as a recent graduate from the School of Visual Arts, I stand at the threshold of my professional journey as an illustrator. Armed with a solid foundation of technical skills, a distinctive visual style, and a passion for storytelling, I am ready to embark on new artistic endeavors. I am excited to continue growing as an artist, to collaborate with fellow creatives, and to share my illustrations with the world, one captivating image at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely, it hasn’t been a smooth road for me. Transitioning from simply loving painting to pursuing it as a career came with its fair share of confusion and moments of self-doubt. During my time in university, I found myself grappling with uncertainty about my artistic abilities and struggling to find my own unique style.
As I immersed myself in various courses, studying subjects like media and the human body, I began to question whether I had the talent to create artwork that truly represented me. It felt disheartening to continually produce assignments that didn’t fully reflect my personal artistic vision. I wondered if I was simply lacking the innate skill and creativity necessary to be a successful illustrator.
Overcoming this confusion was a gradual process, and I can’t claim to have completely conquered it. However, I have learned to combat those negative thoughts and forge ahead despite the uncertainty. I approached each assignment as an opportunity to experiment, to explore different techniques and subject matters, and to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
I realized that painting with questions and engaging in thoughtful introspection was an integral part of the creative process. Embracing trial and error, I persevered with a determined mindset, willing to take risks and learn from my mistakes. I sought feedback from my instructors and peers, allowing their perspectives to guide me and help me grow as an artist.
Time played a crucial role in finding the answers I sought. Patience became my ally as I continued to practice, refine my skills, and explore different artistic avenues. Gradually, I began to see glimpses of my unique artistic voice emerging from the journey of questioning and experimenting.
While the confusion hasn’t entirely dissipated, I’ve come to understand that it’s a natural part of the creative process. It’s through embracing uncertainty and persisting despite it that we uncover our true potential. I remind myself that growth takes time and that the path to artistic fulfillment is rarely linear.
With each new piece I create, I inch closer to defining my style and expressing my individuality as an illustrator. It’s an ongoing journey, one that I’m excited to continue as I navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the art world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In terms of my work, I am an illustrator specializing in creating vibrant and captivating visuals. My style is characterized by glowing and bright colors, which originated from my experiences with oil painting during my sophomore year of college. I was fascinated by dramatic lighting and the primary colors of light: Red, Green, and Blue. These colors still dominate my illustrations, and I find satisfaction in using complementary colors to create visual conflicts.
The otherworldly and surreal feel in my work is inspired by a combination of factors. Firstly, I draw inspiration from my observations of the natural world and reinterpret them through my own lens, infusing them with a sense of beauty and perfection that may appear otherworldly. Additionally, the novels I love, particularly those with an eerie and uncanny atmosphere, have a significant influence on me. I am drawn to stories that challenge intuition and evoke a slight discomfort, and I aim to incorporate that quality into my illustrations.
When it comes to themes and ideas in my work, I am still in the process of exploring and developing my artistic voice. Currently, I find it interesting to illustrate ideas or stories from others in my own way. I enjoy brainstorming and searching for visual solutions that are unique to me, treating each assignment as an opportunity to find my own creative path. As a result, I haven’t settled on a specific theme or topic that I particularly gravitate towards.
One of my favorite pieces is titled “El Cosmico,” which was an assignment for one of my senior classes. The task was to create an illustration inspired by one of three perfumes. I chose “El Cosmico” by D.S. & Durga, a fragrance that captures the desert airs of Marfa, a grand desert under the big sky known as “the cosmic axis” in west Texas. I was intrigued by the concept of “desert air” and eager to create an illustration that conveyed the essence of this scent.
For the illustration, I decided to compose it in a cinematic 16:9 format, resembling a film scene. I aimed to transport viewers to the vastness of Marfa while infusing a sense of storytelling into the image. Despite never having been to a desert myself, I wanted to depict the vision of the desert that this fragrance evoked in my mind. I approached the assignment as if I were creating concept art for a short film centered around this perfume, crafting a landscape inspired by Marfa.
Overall, my work is a combination of imaginative storytelling, a vibrant color palette, and a touch of the surreal. I continuously strive to explore new concepts and push the boundaries of my artistic capabilities, embracing the challenge of translating ideas into visually compelling illustrations.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Adaptation is a crucial aspect of any creative journey, and the most important lesson I’ve learned along my path as an illustrator is the importance of adaptability. As I’ve navigated through different phases and encountered various challenges, I’ve realized that being open to change and embracing new opportunities is essential for growth and success.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had to adapt to different artistic techniques, styles, and mediums. This flexibility has allowed me to expand my skill set and explore new creative avenues. It’s important to be willing to step outside of my comfort zone and try new approaches, even if it means taking risks or venturing into unfamiliar territory.
Adaptation also involves being receptive to feedback and critique. Constructive criticism can be invaluable in helping me refine my craft and improve my work. By being open to feedback, I can learn from others and incorporate different perspectives into my artistic process. This adaptability allows me to evolve and refine my style over time.
Additionally, the creative industry is constantly changing, with new technologies, trends, and platforms emerging. To stay relevant and thrive as an illustrator, I’ve learned the importance of staying informed and adapting to these changes. This may involve learning new software, exploring digital platforms, or adapting my work to suit evolving client preferences.
Adaptation has been crucial in overcoming moments of confusion and self-doubt. Instead of allowing these challenges to deter me, I’ve learned to adapt my mindset and approach. I’ve embraced a growth mindset, viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement. This adaptability has allowed me to overcome obstacles, refine my artistic voice, and find new inspiration and direction.
In summary, the most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey as an illustrator is the power of adaptation. By embracing change, being receptive to feedback, and staying informed about industry developments, I’ve been able to grow as an artist and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of creativity. Adaptability has been a guiding principle that has allowed me to flourish and find fulfillment in my artistic pursuits.
Contact Info:
- Website: wenjingart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wenjing_art/
