Delving into Ruijie Yang's Illustrations: A World of Innocence and Warmth
The first thing that strikes me when speaking with Ruijie Yang, also known as Irene, is how every word she speaks is lined with a teeming passion for her craft. Through our Zoom conversation, it’s clear that her love for art isn’t just a career, it is something she truly believes in.
“What inspired you to specialize in children’s illustration?” I asked her in the middle of our interview.
“I loved reading picture books and comic books when I was a child. So, when I became interested in drawing and painting, I also wanted to use illustrations as a medium and as a storyteller to tell positive stories to children,” Ruijie says.
Photo courtesy: Ruijie Yang
Born in Guangzhou, China, and now based in New York City, Ruijie has carved a unique space for herself as an illustrator dedicated to storytelling through whimsical imagery. Her illustrations exhibit a dynamic blend of contemporary and traditional elements, featuring linework with dreamy landscapes, surreal characters, creatures, and compositions that blur the line between reality and imagination.
“My family was very open-minded and encouraged me a lot to study art, even though there were no family members who were artists,” Rujie shares. As the first in her family to pursue arts, she found inspiration in picture books and comic books from an early age. These childhood influences eventually shaped her desire to create illustrations that not only captivate young audiences but also leave a lasting emotional impact. Through her art, Ruijie seeks to inspire a sense of comfort, peace, and emotional renewal, guiding viewers to reconnect with their inner child and experience the healing power of creativity.
Currently pursuing a degree in Illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, her artistic style is a reflection of her connection with nature and childhood memories. “My art style is usually colorful and has a certain childlike innocence and fun,” she explains. “The pictures give people a sense of warmth and healing.” She incorporates elements such as animals, plants, and tiny children in her work, often using symbols that represent kindness and innocence. Her approach to color is equally thoughtful, drawing inspiration directly from life. “I always choose the colors from nature—magenta for flowers, green for grass, and yellow for sunlight,” she notes, creating palettes that evoke a sense of joy and familiarity.
The Nutcracker (2023)
While many contemporary illustrators lean towards digital mediums, Ruijie remains committed to traditional techniques. “I use watercolor, soft powders, and colored pencils,” she says, emphasizing her love for the tactile and organic feel of handmade art. Her creative process involves extensive sketching, color experiments, and even testing her illustrations on children. “I ask them questions—what do you think of this illustration? Do the facial expressions need changes? Then, they’ll give me their feedback, which really helps.”
Among her many projects, Ruijie holds a special fondness for her reinterpretation of Hansel and Gretel. “I wanted to change the ending of the story and recreate it in my own style,” she says. Her version retains the original fairytale’s essence but introduces her signature bright colors and intricate details, giving it a fresh and engaging twist.
Hansel and Gretel (2024)
As an Asian artist in the creative industry, Ruijie has encountered challenges related to cultural representation. “The biggest difficulty I have faced in NYC is how to break some cultural backgrounds and stereotypes,” she explains. Initially, some Western readers found her characters unfamiliar, leading her to adapt their appearances subtly. “I began to add things to the cultural background, giving characters brown or golden hair and European-style clothing. However, I still won’t give up promoting Asian culture,” she asserts, demonstrating her commitment to cultural representation through a dedicated series of illustrations showcasing traditional Asian stories.
For young creatives aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Ruijie offers invaluable advice.
“Keep your original intention and believe in yourself. Don’t be influenced too much by external opinions. Some feedback is useful, but others may not align with your artistic vision. You can just keep the positive opinions and then trust yourself.”
This advice has allowed her to stay true to her artistic roots while evolving in a competitive industry.
Looking ahead, Ruijie hopes her work continues to bring happiness and healing to her audience. “I want my illustrations to bring readers a sense of happiness, warmth, and healing while reigniting the innocence of childhood,” she says. “I hope to inspire childhood memories, encouraging people to recall something happy in their minds. My illustrations are meant to help with that,” she says. As she balances tradition with innovation, her art serves as a bridge between cultures, generations, and emotions—an invitation to rediscover the magic of childhood through the eyes of an artist who never stopped dreaming.
