I’m enjoying the work of New York based illustrator Yao Xiao today. She emailed me about her work and what really piqued my curiosity was her personal illustrations, where they’re done beautifully and meticulously. And in the midst of that busy perfection, there she is. Vibrant, imperfect (she draws herself comically against the rest of her well-chiselled characters) and colorful. It almost seems like she longs to bust out of an invisible shield – maybe it’s a metaphor of sorts?
Perhaps it’s just me, but seeing highly finished, glossed up versions of finished artwork doesn’t seem to cut it anymore. I’m looking for humor, depth, flaws and blood these days, and if you’re an illustrator reading this right now who has kept their best personal projects under lock and key, do me a favor – dig them out and put them into your portfolio right now.
When you’ve done that, get in touch with me.
I am in love! These are just so wonderful! XO
these are nice 🙂
ah the detail in these is exquisite. I can’t stop exploring the bottom one, all those expressions and the feeling of unbalance at the back with the toppling brekkie, the coffee about to splosh and the ladies in front so engrossed in chat they’re in a bubble and don’t notice anything else but each other and the artist so keenly aware at the front of all everything. Love it!
I checked out the work immediately, these works are great!