We recently connected with Yu Zhang and have shared our conversation below.
YU, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Recently, I received an illustration project focused on a geography theme. My task was to create illustrations for the Oceania section. This was my first time working on a scientific illustration project, which posed a unique challenge compared to my previous work. Unlike other projects where I could freely use my imagination, scientific illustrations require a high level of accuracy and adherence to factual information. Each illustration had to be based on real-life references and carefully researched images. At the same time, since the project was aimed at a young audience, the illustrations couldn’t simply replicate the reference images. I needed to incorporate artistic elements to make the illustrations engaging and visually appealing while still being factually accurate.
This project was particularly challenging because, in my past work, I was encouraged to fully unleash my creativity. However, this time, I had to artistically interpret real-world objects. Initially, I struggled with how to approach this, unsure of how to balance accuracy with creativity.
Fortunately, after extensive discussions with the editor, we were able to establish the basic color palette for the first illustration. This made the subsequent illustrations much easier to create. During the process, the editor provided invaluable guidance. She suggested that I first create an illustration in my own style, without worrying too much about the exact structure and colors of the subject. Then, I created a more realistic version based on the true colors and details of the subject. By comparing the two versions side by side, we identified common elements and adjusted accordingly. Through this iterative process, we successfully completed the illustrations for the book.
This project taught me a lot about balancing artistic freedom with scientific accuracy, and it was ultimately a rewarding experience.
YU, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My mother loved to draw when she was young, but due to family circumstances, there wasn’t enough money to send her to a professional art school. So, when she noticed my passion for drawing at a young age, she encouraged me to pursue this path.
Before I started my master’s degree, I was quite unsure about my future direction. Coming to the UK for graduate school turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This experience greatly broadened my horizons and gradually helped me discover the path I wanted to take. After graduating, I began my journey into illustration. Additionally, because I studied art education during my undergraduate years, I now also teach art at a high school in Shanghai. Interacting with the students often brings me a lot of inspiration. Their whimsical perspectives and ways of seeing the world provide me with many creative ideas.
Lately, I’ve been mainly illustrating covers for children’s novels. My drawing style is cute and warm, which resonates well with young readers. Visualizing scenes from the novels is a wonderful way for me to fully unleash my imagination.
Since last year, I’ve gradually started working on science-themed illustrations, which has sparked a new interest in me. The unique challenge of scientific illustration is that it requires more than just replicating the real object—if that were the case, a photograph would suffice. Instead, it demands an artistic interpretation of reference images, striking a balance between factual accuracy and engaging style to capture the interest of young readers. This constant push and pull between artistic exaggeration and respect for objective reality has made the process incredibly enjoyable for me.
In the future, I hope to work on more science-themed illustration projects and for my artwork to reach a wider audience.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an artist, I believe the most important thing is to maintain your creativity and sensitivity. When I first started out, I was eager to imitate the styles of illustrators I admired. However, I eventually realized that those styles were reflective of their creators’ perspectives on the world, not mine. No matter how much I tried to mimic them, I could never surpass the originals. This led me to take a break from drawing for a while.
As I mentioned earlier, in addition to being a freelance illustrator, I also teach art. During that break, I focused more on teaching and interacting with my students. As I explained to them why I drew in a certain way, how I simplified objects, and why I chose specific colors, I came to a realization: this is my way of seeing the world! I discovered that I prefer drawing without outlines and that I enjoy using flat colors. Through my time with the students, I also began to identify the themes I’m drawn to—these are the elements that truly belong to me.
Everyone’s background and experiences are unique, and because of this, each person can find a method of creation that suits them best. A teacher of mine once told me, “Only you can tell your own story.” Chasing after others’ styles will never lead to work that feels truly yours. Your creative power will always come from your own experiences and thoughts.
As for sensitivity, I believe the key is to keep a childlike heart and maintain the ability to see beauty in the world. Additionally, learning to observe is crucial. As Sherlock Holmes once said, “You see, but you do not observe.” When you take the time to observe carefully, you start to notice the details that matter to you.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I believe we are living in an era of information overload. To be honest, when I was a child, the internet didn’t exist. If you wanted to learn something, you had to go to the library and read books. But now, with the rapid development of the internet, you can find almost anything online. There are virtually no barriers to searching for information. This means that today, we need to develop a certain level of “search intelligence.” Just as we talk about IQ and emotional intelligence, we should also recognize the importance of “search intelligence.”
The ability to gather information and break through information barriers is especially important in this era. Don’t blindly trust what others say; it’s crucial to investigate and gather relevant information on your own. I wish I had realized the importance of “search intelligence” sooner.
Moreover, in any field, networking is essential. This doesn’t mean you have to engage in excessive socializing, but as an illustrator, staying home and drawing won’t help you get noticed. Stepping out of your comfort zone and confidently introducing yourself to others is part of securing quality projects. Building connections and putting yourself out there is just as important as honing your craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zhangyu204illustration.onfabrik.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhangyulittle8/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006797372845
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/zhangyu204
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zhang862164708
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsFbiK-JPlovihEIZNsRc0g
- Other: Behance:https://www.behance.net/xiaobaillustration
Image Credits
All the images are my original illustrations.