We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yilin Xu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yilin, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
As a freelance illustrator and a full-time interior designer, I always find myself combining my passions for both artistic expression and spatial design. My background in interior design and architecture has provided me with unique opportunities to work as an architectural illustrator and visual artist. This intersection of disciplines has significantly shaped my creative mindset, allowing me to create illustrations that highlight the profound impact of environment and spatial design on human emotions.
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 dynamic relationship 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 led me to a career that merges technical precision with artistic storytelling. Today, my illustrations often reflect an architectural influence, addressing themes like belonging, memory, and how people interact with their surroundings.
As an illustrator working within the creative industry, I aim to create work that not only tells stories but also sparks meaningful conversations about the spaces we inhabit. Whether collaborating with publishers, brands, or other creatives, I bring a thoughtful, spatially aware perspective to my illustrations, striving to bridge the gap between art and design.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a freelance illustrator and full-time interior designer, seamlessly blending my passion for artistic expression with my expertise in spatial design. My background in interior design and architecture has provided me with a unique lens through which I approach illustration, allowing me to craft visually compelling narratives that highlight the relationship between space, culture, and emotion.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked as an architectural illustrator, using my knowledge of design principles to create works that emphasize the impact of architecture on human experience. I’m particularly drawn to exploring themes like belonging, memory, and the dynamics between people and their environments. My work often involves intricate illustrations of architectural elements, capturing both their aesthetic and emotional qualities. As I continue to evolve, I seek to blend the technical aspects of interior design with the creative freedom of illustration, merging these disciplines to create pieces that speak to both the practical and emotional dimensions of space.
Whether through collaborations with publishers, brands, or other creatives, my goal is to produce work that not only tells stories but also sparks dialogue about the spaces we inhabit. By bringing a thoughtful, spatially aware perspective to my illustrations, I aim to bridge the gap between art and design, fostering conversations about the intersection of culture, environment, and identity.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been my ability to merge technical knowledge with creative expression, my sensitivity to cultural and environmental nuances, and my openness to feedback and continual learning.
For those who are early in the design industry, it is important to know that the ability to merge technical knowledge with creativity has been foundational in both my interior design and illustration work. My architectural background allows me to approach illustration with a structured and spatially aware perspective, while my passion for art enables me to infuse these designs with emotional depth and storytelling. Seeking opportunities to build both technical skills and creative intuition is also critical for building a career. Balancing both aspects can open up unique opportunities and allow for greater creative freedom.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
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.
As an interior designer, I find that any building or structural element can serve as inspiration for my creative process. During the drafting or sketching stage, I typically categorize various types and styles of buildings that I plan to incorporate into the final drawing. This helps me create a cohesive visual narrative and ensures that the architectural elements resonate with the overall concept.
Another crucial aspect of integrating architecture and spatial elements into my illustrations is the thoughtful use of camera angles and perspectives. Once I’ve finalized the buildings or locations to include, I often visit the site to take photographs, which serve as visual references throughout the creative process. These site visits allow me to capture the mood and overall aesthetic of the space, which informs my decisions on how to depict these elements in the most impactful way. By combining these spatial dynamics with a deliberate choice of views, I can create illustrations that effectively convey both the structure’s essence and its emotional resonance.
I see myself continually balancing the practicality and creative aspects of both careers. I don’t plan to fully merge them, as I have a deep love for both interior design and illustration. As an interior designer, I don’t always have as many opportunities for creative expression, as my work often involves more problem-solving and addressing practical, real-life issues faced by clients. However, this practical side balances out with my freelance illustration career, where I have the freedom to explore and express creativity to its fullest.
In the future, I would love to subtly blend these two practices. My goal is to use illustration as a tool to highlight and showcase the aesthetics of interior design, merging both fields in a way that allows me to bring my unique vision to life. By doing so, I hope to expand the ways these disciplines can inform and inspire one another.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yilinxdesign.com
- Instagram: lines_yi
Image Credits
All Drawings and illustrations are created by Yilin Xu
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
