We recently connected with Tianyi You and have shared our conversation below.
Tianyi, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Interestingly, my picture book “Who is the Liar” tells the story of Impostor Syndrome, inspired by my own experiences. I’ve always seen myself as an “amateur” in the art industry. Before studying for an MFA in Illustration practice at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in the United States, I was a self-taught artist, with an undergraduate degree in landscape gardening. I persisted in drawing solely out of interest. Last year, after receiving an offer from MICA, I held my own illustration exhibition in my hometown and suddenly received a lot of praise. This year, I was a winner in the Bologna Illustration Competition, one of only ten people awarded in China, which earned me further recognition from professionals. This made me question myself: Do I deserve this? I am just a novice student, and among the award recipients were my own teachers and many industry veterans. I always feel I have many flaws and areas to improve; I only show my strongest, “packaged” side, and tend to remember criticisms and suggestions more than compliments, leading to frequent bouts of insecurity and anxiety.
During an anxiety attack one night last semester, I reached out to friends and family back home, started talking to a therapist, and maintained weekly calls with my most trusted friends, which gradually helped me recover from my impostor syndrome and anxiety. I began recording my feelings and emotions, learning mindfulness, writing affirmations, and phrases like “believe in a better future” in my journal, and congratulating myself on any small progress or achievement. I believe impostor syndrome is something everyone experiences, but it is just part of growth, showing excellence and the need for self-awareness and friendship with oneself. My cure has been becoming friends with myself through conversations with others and self-dialogue, treating myself better.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My personal brand is called “yooteenii,” and its philosophy revolves around being fun, playful, and relaxing. As an illustrator currently studying for an MFA in Illustration Practice at MICA, this project has significantly influenced my personal work. Beyond illustration, I also create woodcut toys, ceramics, sewing projects, and illustration products like blankets and keychains.
My illustrations usually draw from my everyday life, with a style that is humorous and entertaining, which I aim for in all my projects, especially in my favorite field, picture books. I enjoy reading picture books immensely, seeing them not just as story experiences but as visits to miniature art galleries. I want my books to engage readers in more fun interactions, making ordinary moments enjoyable.
My artwork often features many characters, reflecting my childhood hobby of observing people around me and capturing them in my quirky visual style, later crafting these into bookmarks as gifts. I’m a people-watcher, delighting in the crowd to discover each person’s unique traits and moods. Currently, I’m working on a series of single-page comics themed around “?”, inspired by my observations and thoughts about people, using humor and inquiry to address life’s disappointments, trivializing the significant and illustrating the minor. For those interested in this comic series, follow my social media on Instagram(yooteenii), and visit my website: yooteenii.com.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Love and Enjoyment As an illustrator, love and enjoyment are essential. One can only excel in drawing if they enjoy it. Drawing for success, money, or fame alone is unsustainable; what remains after achieving these goals? Only love and enjoyment can motivate continued dedication. To be a “sustainable” artist, one must reflect on their relationship with drawing and identify their true motivation. Would you continue to draw even without financial gain? Remembering this original passion is crucial.
2. Equanimity
Comparison is a source of suffering, whether with oneself or with peers. After studying Buddhism and Zen, I’ve learned the importance of “eliminating the discriminating mind.” Attachment often leads to pain. Sometimes, letting go reveals a broader perspective. Nothing is the best; nothing is absolute. This mindset fosters a greater appreciation for oneself and one’s work, avoiding constant dissatisfaction.
3. Sensitivity
Sensitivity is a vital trait for an artist, as it enables a unique perspective and observational insight, leading to resonant and impactful work. Sensitivity is stifled by stress and anxiety or in monotonous environments. For me, ways to enhance sensitivity include sketching, journaling, traveling, and changing my living environment.
For newcomers, including myself, I advise engaging in conversations, remaining authentic in creation, reading extensively, and stepping out more to stay attuned to life. This approach ensures a continuous flow of inspiration.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
Currently, I am faced with the challenge of choosing between breadth and depth. Arriving at MICA has opened up a new world for me, exposing me to the many possibilities of being an illustrator: woodcut, ceramics, creating GIFs, making animations, drawing editorials, and crafting artist books, among others. I have so many interests, but time constraints mean I can only skim the surface of each. The dilemma I face is whether to explore more of these possibilities or to choose one direction for deeper development. This is the challenge I am confronting.
Contact Info:
- Website: yooteenii.com
- Instagram: yooteenii
