Today we’d like to introduce you to Bingjie “BJ” Cui.
Hi Bingjie “BJ”, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Xinjiang, China, a city known for its cultural diversity. I was a science student at the beginning. I found myself full of flashed whimsical ideas about life moments and social phenomena. I like literature and get interesting ideas from reading and thinking. I got my first graduate degree from UGA in urban planning. Working on some urban design projects inspired my deep yearning for art. Similar to urban design, which uses design philosophy to solve problems, I found illustration attractive in connecting people with powerful visual languages and evoking their thoughts, then I went to SCAD for another graduate degree. The transitions in my background from science to design, then to art shaped my creation. I take the interesting jump between my ‘rational’ background and ‘emotional’ thinking as the treasure for creation. I want my illustrations to be connected with my audiences, whether in thinking or visual joy.
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?
I wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free. My background in different fields- science, urban planning, and arts have somehow caused the challenges while also shaping my unique experiences in arts. My background in science has established the foundation of my rational thinking, while the creation of art needs to stimulate my perceptual thinking at all times. It took me a while to find the balance between these two sides. I enjoy how I could react to some social phenomena with more rational thinking while also speaking for the groups with powerful visual language. The other struggle is to craft my skills in drawing. I used to tell stories and help others build their vision with text and talking- as an urban planner. While telling stories with visual language requires me to have an effective and strong visual solution that could stand out for the moment. Besides, since my interest in editorial illustration and the publishing market, it’s important to have a strong concept that speaks for the idea. This, in turn, also requires a creative method with crafted abilities in visual communication. I really appreciate all the help and instructions, along with my professional exploration.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a freelance illustrator, I love telling stories through my visual language. I love to explore the inner meaning behind social phenomena and speak for diversity with my art language. I like the way that art leaves the audience with open thinking. Born and raised in Xinjiang, China, I’m heavily influenced by ethnic aesthetics and local spirit. Most of my works are inspired by films, taking inspiration from daily life, social phenomenon, and literature. I like to explore a way to connect with my audiences and create a ‘thinking wonderland’ for them with my work- shaped by visual puns, whimsical elements, and bold colors. I see my work as a way of connecting to my audience and sharing a collective mood with their inner world. As above about my hometown- a province known for its diversity, I also want to explore a way of speaking for the culture and identity diversity in my creative practice.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I would say drawing is always the most important part. Draw as much as you can, as freely as you can in your early creative journey- most importantly, don’t be afraid to draw your flash of thoughts down. Sometimes you’ll find your old ideas inspiring, though they were not built up yet at the moment you drew them down on your paper. Another thing I wish would know when starting out is to set yourself free from perfectionism. Do your best work, but let it be human and show your personality through your work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yaybj.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaybj.art/
- Other: Behance: https://www.behance.net/yaybjart
