Today we’d like to introduce you to Sewing Feng.
Hi Sewing, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a freelance illustrator&artist based in New York and I create illustrations for publishers and individuals. Before coming to graduate school, I studied architectural design at a Chinese university. I eventually realized that I was more interested in creating two-dimensional images than in creating the space itself, and I drew a lot of architectural illustrations during this time. I am fascinated by mysterious traditional mythology, monsters and ghosts, and oriental strange stories. Later, I began to draw my own illustrations, cartoons and created a series of illustrations about Chinese geomantic omen, which helped me win numerous awards, including JIA Illustration Award, 3 x 3 Illustration Show and I Jungle Illustration Awards, and so on. My early works used a lot of lines, which made the image very delicate, and with low saturated colors, it could express a very quiet atmosphere. After graduating from college, I came to New York to study illustration. In my graduate school, I began experimenting with different styles and types of work, and I discovered that my everyday doodles frequently made people laugh, I think it would be happy to be able to draw in a way that makes people laugh rather than only for aesthetic reasons. During my graduate studies, I drew a lot of cute little characters and comics. Now I’m working on some children’s books and picture books. I also do crafts and small products.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I think it’s a very difficult path because sometimes it’s hard for your work to be seen. It is also not easy to find your own style. I’m greedy and I always want to try new things, but it makes my work look very inconsistent.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is very delicate because I like to use a lot of lines, which makes the painting look decorative. Because I liked drawing since I was a child, but I didn’t go to teachers or institutions for professional learning. I just like to doodle with the pen I usually use for writing. My books are often filled with comics. So I’m very good at working with lines. I can draw without drafting.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
In fact, I’m a very cautious person and I don’t take risks very often. I generally confirm that I have the ability to do something before I do it. I think the biggest adventure in my life is to make a living through art because it is really hard, but I never regret it because it is very happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sewingfeng.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sewing_illus/
Image Credits
Illustration by SEWING FENG
