10 Questions with Yuanhao Tang

Yuanhao Tang is a dedicated illustrator who primarily caters to the young adult and adult illustration market. His distinctive style is characterized by bold line work and flat colors, which add a particular flair to his creations. Yuanhao draws inspiration from the vibrant personalities and intriguing events he encounters in his surroundings, infusing his work with a unique perspective and conceptual depth that often lends a mysterious allure. While Yuanhao occasionally enjoys defying the bounds of reality in his illustrations, his overarching mission as an artist remains steadfast: to utilize his skills as an illustrator to bring joy and stimulate the imagination of his audience. He perceives this as a genuine obligation and responsibility that comes with his role as an illustrator. Yuanhao Tang is actively honing his craft and expanding his creative horizons to continue captivating audiences with his imaginative and thought-provoking illustrations.

yhillustration.portfoliobox.net | @halfhandhenry

ARTIST STATEMENT

Yuanhao Tang is a pioneering artist who specializes in illustration and painting, uniquely capturing and interpreting his surroundings through his artistic endeavors. His work is a manifestation of his talent for organizing the elements in his environment and incorporating them into his illustrations. Influenced by several renowned artists, including Moebius, Yuanhao has developed a unique linear style that sets his illustrations apart.

What drives Yuanhao's artistic journey is a profound desire to infuse his pieces with joy, vitality, and the essence of living passionately. He regards his role as an illustrator as a solemn obligation to imbue people's lives with positivity and whimsy through his pen and imaginative thoughts. In his own words, Yuanhao sees his craft as a means to bestow upon others the gift of optimism and fantasy.

Fish 4, Procreate, 7x5 in, 2022 © Yuanhao Tang

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. What is your artistic background, and how did you start experimenting with images?

Hello, guys! My name is Yuanhao Tang, and I am from Chongqing, China. I am an illustrator specializing in editorial and narrative illustration, and I am currently based in Atlanta, GA. I hold a bachelor's degree in fine art and a master's degree in illustration. My journey in the world of art officially began when I was a high school student in my hometown. However, my love for art, especially illustration, started long before that. After completing my senior high school studies, I immediately immersed myself in traditional drawing and painting. I viewed art not only as a means to navigate life but also as a way to express my emotions and bring my deepest fantasies to life.

Why are you an artist, and when did you first become one?

If everyone is born with a purpose in this world, then being an artist, particularly an illustrator, is undoubtedly mine. My fascination with illustration began when I discovered picture books on my grandparents' bookshelves as a young child. It wasn't until junior high that I learned the term' illustration.' Over the years, through continuous practice in both traditional and digital drawing and painting, I created my very first illustration during my college years. Shortly thereafter, I solidified my lifelong aspiration: to become a successful illustrator.

Fish 1, Procreate, 9x10 in, 2022 © Yuanhao Tang

Fish 2, Procreate, 9x10 in, 2022 © Yuanhao Tang

How would you define yourself as an artist today?

I consider myself a highly skilled and dedicated illustrator, always ready to take on new projects and challenges. Personally, I thrive under the pressure that clients or institutions often bring, as it pushes me to continuously improve my craft. While I acknowledge that I still have a long way to go on my artistic journey, I find the demands of contemporary illustration invigorating.
One of the perks of being a contemporary illustrator is the constant exposure to the ever-evolving world of art and design. In this digital age, I have the privilege of standing on the shoulders of giants, thanks to technology and the vast resources available on the internet. This dynamic environment allows me to stay current with the latest trends and developments, keeping my work fresh and relevant.

Your work is an interesting blend of illustration and painting. Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? How do you go from the first idea to the final outcome?

My deepest passion lies in narrative illustration, a love that originated from my cherished childhood experiences with my grandparents, as I mentioned earlier. This affection for storytelling is evident in most of my artwork, with the exception of projects designed for editorial purposes. Whenever I embark on a new project, I engage in a brainstorming session that inevitably results in the creation of a mini background story.
As I mentally and physically jot down these ideas, the components of the piece begin to take shape, appearing in my mind as vague images or snapshots. These initial impressions serve as a rough starting point for my thumbnail sketches and compositions. I draw inspiration from classic, elegant styles found in old fiction novels and picture books, often favoring black and white with intricate hatching lines. Artists like Moebius and Paul Gustave Doré have significantly influenced my linear style.
My primary focus shifts to refining the line work once the composition and elements are settled. I dedicate as much time as needed to ensure that the lines are perfected and delicately rendered, always mindful of meeting project deadlines.
When it comes to the coloring process, it becomes a form of experimentation for me. Colors are chosen to establish the mood and enhance the intricate details in my pieces. Given my strong foundation in line work, I am not overly concerned about colors detracting from the overall impact of my artwork. I predominantly work digitally, which affords me significant creative freedom to explore the best color solutions for each piece.

Celestial, Photoshop, Procreate, 11x14 in, 2023 © Yuanhao Tang

What themes do you pursue with your work?

I find drawing inspiration from everyday life and the events happening around us to be a fascinating source of ideas for my artwork, whether it's a single piece or an entire series. Interestingly, I often gravitate towards the subtleties and small details of life rather than major events or shocking news. I believe that these seemingly insignificant nuances can reveal a great deal about who we are as individuals and as a society. It's when I focus on these little things that my art truly comes to life and connects more profoundly with viewers.
My passion as an artist lies in spreading messages of peace and love, and I aspire to create a fantasy world that is free from the shackles of war, hunger, and poverty. These are the themes that resonate most deeply with me, and I aim to infuse my artwork with these positive sentiments. However, I've come to realize that some of life's most touching and meaningful moments are hidden within the minor details of our daily routines—moments that are often akin to small miracles. These priceless occurrences are the most valuable elements I seek to capture and convey in my artwork.
In addition to my love for these themes, I also have a strong appreciation for fantasy and sci-fi elements, which I incorporate into my narrative pieces when I write.

What's the essential element in your art?

The line work in my pieces holds significant importance and is often the central focus. While it demands time and precision, I consistently find it to be a worthwhile investment. In my art, I believe that good storytelling plays a pivotal role in spreading positive messages of peace and love, creating connections that resonate deeply with audiences.

Night Garden, Photoshop, Procreate, 7x9 in, 2023 © Yuanhao Tang

You seem to have a distinctive style, with recognizable characters and recurring colors. How did you come up with this specific style? What elements do you consider, and how do they influence your work?

My artistic style draws inspiration from a diverse array of talented artists, including Moebius, Paul Gustave Doré, Kilian Eng, and several outstanding Asian illustrators. Even as a young child, I was naturally drawn to their refined and classic styles, although I didn't fully realize this until I formally entered the world of illustration after high school.
I have a deep affinity for line work and the art of hatching and cross-hatching, as they serve as a means to clear my mind and express my creativity. In industry terms, you could categorize me as a 'Line Person' rather than a 'Color Person.' While I have been experimenting with colors like blue, red, and yellow in my work, I am particularly drawn to a serene and tranquil color palette. For me, linework is more than just creating clear figures or outlines; it's a form of decoration that can be beautiful and rich with storytelling. I strive for my audience to perceive the fluidity and narrative flow within my linework.

Do you work digitally or analogically? And what technologies do you use?

I primarily work as a digital illustrator, although I occasionally delve into traditional mediums as well. My go-to digital tools include Photoshop and Procreate, as they offer convenience and flexibility, especially when I need to work on the go. However, when it comes to sketching, I often find myself turning to traditional methods. There's a unique tactile sensation when the edge of a pencil or pen touches paper that I believe can never be fully replicated digitally.

On a broader level, what do you think of the recent use of AI-generated images? Is it something you plan to embrace or something that scares you?

I have to admit that I've been quite apprehensive about the widespread use of AI-generated images, especially when I see many individuals on social media using such AI-generated styles and amassing more followers than the original artists. They often identify themselves as artists without any sense of shame, and this has left me feeling somewhat perplexed. I even created a small piece addressing this topic when AI-generated images first started gaining prominence.
I believe that AI is a powerful tool that has the potential to greatly enhance our lives and foster creativity. However, there is a concern that we may be relying on this technology excessively. It's as if we're sailing a boat in uncharted waters, and if we continue to indulge AI without restraint, we may end up hitting an iceberg instead of discovering valuable treasures. AI-generated images are, in some cases, encroaching on the hard-earned fruits of the labor of artists. It can take us years of dedication and learning to refine our skills, while AI can replicate similar work within seconds, often without adhering to copyrights and proper credits.
The question we must ask ourselves is, should we not take action to curb the excessive use of AI-generated images now, before it becomes a widespread problem that no one can escape from?

Finally, any projects you are looking forward to for this year?

I am looking forward to the new year despite the challenges and uncertainties that may lie ahead. I choose to remain optimistic about the future, and as a result, my projects for the upcoming year will focus more on celebration and spreading positivity. Additionally, I have several personal projects centered around narrative illustration in the pipeline, and I am genuinely excited to see how they unfold.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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