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Born and raised in Guilin, China, a beautiful tourist city rich in cultural heritage and artistic diversity, I have always been deeply connected to design and creativity. I work as an interior designer in New York after graduating from Pratt Institute while also pursuing a passion for freelance illustration. Influenced by my architectural background, my illustrations are intricately inspired by spatial dynamics, architectural elements, and detailed mechanical designs.
As an illustrator with an architectural background, I’ve always been fascinated by how design influences the way people connect to their environments—and to each other. My work bridges these disciplines, using illustration as a medium to explore the concept of ethical belonging: the creation of spaces (both physical and emotional) that uphold shared values like inclusivity, fairness, and mutual care.
Your work combines architectural precision with the expressiveness of illustration. How do your architectural background and interest in spatial dynamics influence your approach to illustration, particularly in exploring ethical design?
When I was commissioned by my full-time job to create visual representation works for clients, I discovered the pivotal role of illustration as a bridge between professionals and clients who may not have technical training in this industry. This experience opened my eyes to the power of illustration in making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
Over time, I realized that being an illustrator extends beyond communication—it’s about developing a distinct visual language. As I gradually uncovered my own illustrative style, I began incorporating intricate building designs and mechanical structures to create visually striking compositions that deliver critical messages with a more pronounced and impactful voice.
Through research and precedent studies for commissioned projects, I encountered remarkable artists who integrate architectural elements into their illustration work, such as Killian Eng, François Schuiten, and Doug John Miller. Learning about their creative processes and exploring their art has deeply influenced my own approach, inspiring me to refine and build my unique visual style and language in my illustration work.
You describe your illustrations as exploring the concept of ethical belonging. Can you elaborate on what ethical belonging means to you and how you use your art to convey themes of inclusivity, fairness, and mutual care?
With my diverse cultural background and experiences living in various cities and countries, I have often found myself part of marginalized groups. This perspective has deeply influenced my understanding of belonging and representation. New York City, with its vibrant diversity and cultural inclusivity, has become one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Despite its inclusiveness, the city's layers of identity and complexity resonate with my own journey.
The concept of ethical belonging, to me, is rooted in shared values and mutual respect. It’s about fostering connections that transcend differences and create space for understanding and inclusion. I strive to express this idea in my artwork by allowing multiple perspectives and interpretations to emerge from a single piece. Through layered narratives, I aim to highlight the value of diverse voices and shared human experiences.
Building a strong environment within my drawings is essential for conveying these messages. By focusing on spatial dynamics and cultural nuance, I seek to create works that not only speak to the broader concept of ethical belonging but also give voice to the Chinese immigrant community. My goal is to inspire dialogue and understanding while offering a platform for underrepresented stories.
Your illustrations often incorporate detailed mechanical designs. How do these elements contribute to your narrative about building connections and fostering shared values through design?
Even though the sewing machine I created, with its exposed inner structure, may initially appear emotionless, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the garment workers who use it. Upon closer inspection of the gears and intricate inner workings, one can see how complex the machine is—mirroring the complexity and uncertainty of an immigrant's life. These hidden elements, concealed in darkness or covered by an outer shell, symbolize the struggles that are often unseen or overlooked.
To emphasize this contrast, I juxtaposed the monochromatic interior of the sewing machine with the vibrant colors of the people and architecture in the surrounding environment. This stark visual difference highlights the disparity between the repetitive, grueling labor garment workers endure and the vibrancy of the world around them. Through this approach, I aim to shed light on the injustices they face, such as unfair pay and treatment, while creating a visually compelling narrative that evokes empathy and reflection.
How do you envision illustration as a medium to inspire more ethical design practices in architecture and interior design? Are there specific projects or pieces that you feel strongly embody this vision?
I would like to share more stories behind my work ,"Garment Strike", as it talks about the 1982 garment workers’ strike. As an Asian woman, I have always been drawn to historical events that connect to my sense of ethical belonging and cultural identity. My sensitivity to emotions and the surrounding environment helps me grasp the essence of moments like this with depth and empathy.
This series consists of two pieces, both highlighting the intricate mechanical details of a sewing machine. These elements serve as metaphors for the complex and challenging lives of garment workers, particularly Asian immigrant women. Through these works, I reflect on their struggles—not just the low wages and financial hardships but also the harsh realities of unfair pay, grueling overtime hours, and the lack of support for working mothers. Many women were forced to bring their children to work, creating a deeply challenging and often controversial environment for both the workers and their children.
By focusing on this historical moment, I hope to shed light on the resilience and sacrifices of these women while encouraging viewers to reflect on the broader issues of labor rights and social justice. My goal is to honor their stories and amplify their voices through visual storytelling.
Growing up in Guilin and now living in New York, how have your cultural experiences shaped your artistic journey? How do these influences appear in your work, particularly in highlighting ethical design?
Growing up in Guilin, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant minority cultures, I developed a deep appreciation for heritage and its role in shaping identity. This cultural upbringing instilled in me a sensitivity to the nuances of spatial design and a keen interest in exploring the interplay between culture and space.
My journey as an illustrator began while studying interior design, where I discovered my ability to translate concepts into vivid, visually compelling narratives. This realization guided me toward a career where I could merge technical precision with artistic storytelling. Today, my illustrations often reflect an architectural influence, addressing themes like belonging, memory, and the ways people interact with their surroundings.
As an illustrator working within the creative industry, I strive to create work that not only tells stories but also sparks conversations about the spaces we inhabit. Whether collaborating with publishers, brands, or other creatives, I bring a thoughtful, spatially aware perspective to my illustrations, aiming to bridge the gap between art and design.
Interviewer: Zin
More info:
Website: https://yilinxdesign.com/
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