Meet Ruijie Yang

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ruijie Yang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ruijie below.

Ruijie, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

As a freelance illustrator, failing to separate work from leisure clearly can easily lead to fatigue and frustration, making it challenging to begin or sustain creative projects. However, achieving this balance requires a deeper understanding of our emotional needs.
Burnout often stems from a lack of clarity about these needs. Drawing from my own experience, there were times when I was intensely focused on completing illustration projects, driven solely by the goal of finishing them quickly to receive the associated rewards. Yet, I failed to recognize that my mental state was nearing collapse. Without taking the time to step away and engage in hobbies or activities to recharge, I developed a resistance to creative work after such intense periods.

Over time, I realized the importance of reallocating energy to other interests or scheduling reasonable breaks during work-related exhaustion. This approach has allowed me to manage negative emotions better and find a way to coexist with them, ultimately fostering a healthier and more sustainable relationship with my work.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am pursuing a degree in illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where I live and work. Having been in New York for nearly four years, I have dedicated this time to exploring my unique creative style and advancing my career as an illustrator. Its innocence and warmth characterize my artwork and a sense of healing as I strive to evoke positive and restorative emotions in my audience. Additionally, I am actively experimenting with integrating illustration into other disciplines, exploring innovative forms and techniques to create distinctive works of art.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey as an illustrator, three key qualities have profoundly influenced my growth: preserving my original intent, maintaining a sense of curiosity, and engaging in consistent self-reflection. In an era marked by rapid advancements in AI technology, many illustrators, myself included, have grappled with existential doubts regarding the relevance of human artistry. I recall a period when I frequently compared myself to AI-generated works, questioning the necessity of pursuing illustration as a profession. This mindset led me to lose sight of the original passion that drew me to this field, causing a prolonged creative block and a reluctance to engage with my craft.

However, curiosity and self-reflection are crucial tools for overcoming such challenges, especially during creative stagnation. By actively seeking new knowledge and experimenting with unfamiliar techniques or concepts, I found myself reigniting my inspiration and uncovering fresh ideas. Similarly, self-reflection has allowed me to approach the weaknesses in my work with a critical yet constructive perspective, enabling me to refine my skills and achieve meaningful progress.

Given these experiences, I advocate for fellow artists to cultivate resilience and foster a continuous passion for creation. This can be achieved through persistent practice, a commitment to self-improvement, and a conscious effort to align with one’s authentic artistic intentions despite external pressures or technological shifts. Such an approach strengthens confidence and ensures sustained innovation and personal growth within the art industry.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past year of work and study, my most significant personal growth has been learning to seek validation from within rather than relying on recognition and affirmation from others. I have discovered how to care for myself and cultivate a healthier relationship with my inner world. During this time, I experienced significant pressure from both academic and professional responsibilities, often feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and unease. My constant pursuit of excellence in every task was driven by a desire to gain approval for my abilities and contributions. However, this self-imposed perfectionism led to diminishing confidence and a waning interest in illustration, eventually taking a toll on my mental well-being.

Recognizing the need for change, I began distancing myself from the toxic pressures of external validation and focused on self-healing. I allowed myself the freedom to create art that brought me personal satisfaction, to explore places I wished to visit, and to engage in activities I enjoyed—even if I had to do them alone. This mindset shift helped me regain my confidence and reshaped how I approached my work. I stopped invalidating my efforts over minor imperfections and ceased doubting my abilities in the face of criticism or negativity from others.

As a result, my illustrations have become increasingly distinctive and imbued with a sense of healing. This journey of self-discovery and resilience has allowed me to embrace and express my artistic vision authentically and fully.

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