Welcome to Zaoyu Lin and Haha Yang’s Fantasy World

Illustration by Zaoyu Lin

1. If illustration is a friend who has been with you for a long time, what does it look like in your mind?

Zaoyu Lin: In my mind, this friend is like a warm and comforting animal, always there to provide comfort and companionship.

Haha Yang: At times, I have felt like illustration was a triangular shape while I was a square. We could always find a side that fit, but it was sometimes challenging to truly connect.

2. How did you become an illustrator? Do you like the label?

Zaoyu Lin: I have loved painting since I was a child, and I appreciate the label of being an illustrator because it offers many possibilities for creative expression.

Haha Yang: I became an illustrator after graduating because I didn't want to do other types of work, but needed to make money. I started drawing and kept going, gradually becoming an illustrator. I am still happy with this label because it allows me to do what I love. It's just a description of who I am, rather than a restriction, and I can still pursue other interests alongside it.

Illustration by Zaoyu Lin

3. Where are you currently based, and who do you work for?

Z: I'm currently in Chengdu, Sichuan. Unfortunately, I broke my knee on the first day of running when I tried to exercise at home.

H: I live in a small, not-so-developed city in China. I don't have the resources of a big city or the abundance of exhibitions and activities, but I'm living comfortably for now. Recently, I've been working on paper art direction, and I'm also exploring new painting styles and directions.

Illustration by Haha Yang

Illustration by Zaoyu Lin

4. How would you describe your style?

Z: I would describe my style as creating a colorful and fantasy world.

H: I would describe my style as formal, although I sometimes feel the need to break away from being too casual or relaxed, which can be challenging. I've been working on making changes to my style.

5. How do you usually start a project? What is your preferred creative environment?

Z: I usually start a project by reading the words or prompts, and then translating them into images, although not always very clearly. I continue to work on the project from paper to computer, sometimes needing prompts, but most of the time, I prefer my creativity to be unrestrained.

H: When I have an idea, I write it down and then choose one of those ideas as the theme when I have free time to start a project. I prefer a quiet environment when I create, as it helps me stay focused without distractions.

6. What's your secret to staying inspired and motivated?

Z: I always strive to create a painting that satisfies me. I start with a sketch when I have an idea, and often end up with several less-than-perfect sketches. When I run out of ideas, I look back at these sketches and find new ones to add. I remind myself that painting is about pleasing myself, which helps me paint comfortably.

H: I try to create work that pleases me as much as possible while still meeting the project's requirements. Creating work that impresses me gives me more motivation to continue creating, as enthusiasm can be easily consumed if not replenished.

7. Who are your favorite artists?

Z: Some of my favorite artists are James Jean, Jean Giraud, and Li Chaoxiong.

H: I'm not very familiar with artists as I often focus more on the works themselves rather than the artists behind them.

8. What kinds of tools do you typically use, and how do they impact your work?

Z: I primarily use computer painting tools, and my study serves as my studio. I lose track of time when I'm immersed in digital painting.

H: I often use a digital screen for painting on the computer, which allows me to create satisfactory copies and experiment with different styles without the fear of making mistakes. It also offers the flexibility to work from different locations without disrupting my creative process.

9. As an independent illustration artist with more free time, how do you organize your day?

Z: I have a fairly regular routine that revolves around painting, eating, and sleeping. My day usually starts with taking care of my cat before diving into my creative work.

H: If I have work projects that need to be completed, I schedule my day accordingly. When I have more free time for personal creativity, I try to strike a balance between work and rest. Sometimes it can be challenging to manage the time effectively, as too much free time can sometimes feel limiting instead of liberating.

10. Any interesting recent projects to share?

Z: Lately, I've been revisiting my previous drafts and experimenting with new styles and ideas.

H: Recently, I've shifted my focus from illustration to paper art and have been working on various paper art projects for my own exploration and development.

11. How would you comment on your past works, and what works are perfect in your opinion?

Z: I see my past works as fragments of my thoughts, and I believe that my future works will continue to evolve into a more cohesive series of expressions. For me, perfection is achieved when I can create a piece from start to finish in one sitting, without any interruptions, and it resonates with my creative vision.

H: In the past, I struggled with finding a balance between work requirements and personal satisfaction, which sometimes resulted in unsatisfactory work. Now, I prioritize creating work that excites me and brings me joy, even if it meets the requirements of a project. To me, perfection is achieved when I can create work that genuinely makes me happy.

12. What kind of gifts will you get for the coming New Year? Any wishes?

Z: For the upcoming New Year, I plan to gift myself some picture books and maybe some novels, as I enjoy reading. My wish for the New Year is to live a healthy and fulfilling life, free to express my creativity.

H: As for the upcoming New Year, I plan to gift myself with books, including picture books, novels, and three-dimensional books, as I am an avid reader. My wish for the New Year is to continue exploring and developing my artistic skills and to find joy and satisfaction in my creative pursuits.

Illustration by Zaoyu Lin