Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Huilin Gui. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Huilin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am very passionate about reading picture books, so my learning about illustration has been through extensive reading of picture books, where I discovered different drawing styles and narrative techniques. The most important aspect of illustration is having a solid artistic knowledge base. The more art styles you are familiar with, the clearer your preferences become, and your artwork will have its own uniqueness. There are no shortcuts in illustration; it requires continuous learning and experimenting with different styles to find your own. I believe that anyone can illustrate as long as they are willing to do so. Therefore, the most crucial skills in illustration are the love for drawing and perseverance. In my opinion, the biggest obstacle to learning illustration is the fear of failure. When an artist has established a recognized artistic style, they might be afraid of not being liked or not being as “good” as before when they want to explore something new. This fear can hinder your willingness to try and learn. Every illustrator should acknowledge and embrace the fact that they are versatile and give themselves recognition for their new artistic endeavours.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Huilin, an illustrator and picture book creator from China currently residing in NYC. I graduated from the Illustration program at the School of Visual Arts this May and am now embarking on illustrating picture books. During my student years, I was honored to receive the Jon McDonald scholarship from the Society of Illustrators. I am deeply immersed in the charm of hand-drawing. I enjoy utilizing various materials around me to portray the stories I want to tell, and I am not limited to any specific medium. Instead, I always combine a range of traditional materials, collages, and necessary digital post-production to achieve the desired outcome. I find great pleasure in experimenting with different forms and mediums that best suit the story. The creative process is always filled with spontaneity, and the results never fail to bring delightful surprises.
My artwork is driven by narratives, rich in colorful content, and filled with whimsical and captivating details. Most of my works capture small moments in everyday life, where people and objects are tranquil yet emotionally charged, giving viewers a sense of healing and warmth.
My content takes various forms, including but not limited to zines, accordion books, children’s books, editorial illustrations, and product illustrations.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I believe that drawing is a continuous process of learning and self-discovery. Each new project requires lots of research and study, which allows me to learn many different new things. I then translate this knowledge into illustrations through my understanding. The sense of fulfillment I experience through constant learning and creative expression serves as the driving force behind my artistic journey.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

As an illustrator or someone aspiring to become one, it is highly beneficial, especially at the beginning of your career, to actively seek and participate in offline resources related to illustration, such as anime fairs, art book fairs, and art fairs. When you’re drawing alone at home, it is common to feel lost or disconnected. If your city or town hosts any book fairs or art fairs, make an effort to attend them. Each event has its own unique style and audience, and through these events, you can find a community that suits you. Additionally, attending these events allows you to gain insights into what other illustrators are working on and how they transform their art into sellable products. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversations with experienced artists, establish connections with like-minded illustrator friends, and even encounter potential collaboration opportunities.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hguidraws.wixsite.com/huilin
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huilin.draws/