Andrew Yeung

Year of birth: 1991.
Where do you live: Tokyo.
Your education: B.F.A in Illustration graduated from SCAD.
Describe your art in three words: Colorful, Pattern, contrast.
Your discipline: Playing my favorite music playlist when I draw.
Website | Instagram

Growing up in Hong Kong and studying in the United States, how have these cultural experiences influenced your artistic style?

I think I have been influenced heavily by Japanese sub-cultures such as Harajuku fashion, JRPG (role-playing video games)  original art, art & design magazines, Japanese music as well as their music videos during my teenage years in Hong Kong.

These things had a huge impact on me, whether it’s the visual quality, the use of vibrant colors, or pattern making.

While studying art school in the US, I have learned a lot of techniques and execution of creating artwork, from sketch to finishing, and how to handle various illustration project.

I am glad that I have had the opportunity to observe and adopt a mixture of Eastern and Western art perspectives that shaped my art style today.

Fashion, music, food, and culture are central to your inspiration. Can you share a specific moment or memory that has deeply inspired your work?

I have always been influenced by many things, though the most inspirational moment I would say, is when I first discovered my favorite illustrator & artist Yoshitaka Amano’s art when I was playing JRPG when I was little (he was working for Final Fantasy’s original art all these years).

The color palette, mixture of unique patterning,  figurative drawing  the moment I discovered his art deeply inspired and changed my view of art.

Andrew Yeung | Poison Night

Your artworks are known for their vibrant colors and organic patterns. How do you approach creating such dynamic pieces?

I have always enjoyed listening to music while I draw, especially in the brainstorming and sketching stage.

I love to draw out unique patterns while I listen to genres like Bossanova and Shibuya-kei music.

Then I would draw along with the music flow, sometimes referencing random patterns that I have seen in magazines or on Pinterest, etc. such as paisley, unique mix of checker prints, and polka dots, to pair up with the doodling that I feel right at the moment.  

What was it like collaborating with renowned brands like Harvey Nichols and Fresh? How do you balance your artistic vision with their brand identities?

Whether I am working with personally commissioned pieces, or big brand projects and campaigns, I always remind myself to ‘not lose my art style and myself’.

As an illustrator, we always need to hold tight to our art aesthetic and pull off the best way possible for any project.

Understanding the project outcome, the aim, and the project brief is always the most important when it comes to collaborating with brands, also last but not least is to ENJOY the creative process.

I believe that good art always comes from enjoyment.

Andrew Yeung | Exotic

Your first art storybook was published in 2021. What motivated you to create this book, and how does it reflect your journey as an artist?

I was very lucky to be offered by an author&psychiatric therapist back in 2020. 

It was a very meaningful book project about art therapy with metaphor stories of five animals.

Never have I thought that I would be a part of one of the best-selling books from the publisher, and I was able to participate in various book fairs and events back then.

I have received many different comments and praise from the audience and that definitely boosted my confident.

Andrew Yeung | Moderati

Having showcased your art across Asia, how do audiences in different cities (Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei) respond to your work?

I have received various views and responses in different cities during all my showcases and exhibitions.

Statistically breaking down, I think in Tokyo, I have sold much more artprint, merch than Hong Kong and Taipei.

What advice would you give to young illustrators looking to find their unique voice in the art world?

I am not good at expressing myself in words, but I would say to try out as many art mediums as you can, do not limit yourself to just digital or analog, find inspiration from your favorite artists, and never compare your art with others because everyone’s style is unique.

Andrew Yeung | She writes letters