How Illustration Changed My Life / Yiffy Gu

As an illustrator, drawing has always been a part of my life. When I was a child, I was easily distracted by many things but when I picked up a crayon and paper to draw, I would stay focused for hours. Even when my mom would yell at me for dinner, I just couldn’t stop drawing.

Throughout my childhood, I was always faithful to having a career related to art. This was largely influenced by my mom, who is a designer. She majored in art and graduated from a famous art school. She has always been very supportive of my passion for art and has encouraged me to pursue it as a career. I was lucky to have a mom who understood the importance of art and its potential for self-expression.

My last year of high school, my mom brought me to visit her friends’ art studio. Her friends were famous artists, and their studios were full of artistic inspiration. As I gazed at their incredible artwork, I felt a surge of creativity and passion. They asked me what I wanted to do in the future, and I was certain I wanted to work in art. Although I wasn’t sure yet what specific art major to pursue, I knew that it was my calling. This experience further solidified my determination to pursue a career in the arts.

During my college years, I immersed myself in the study of illustration and experimented with various styles in order to find my own unique voice. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience that allowed me to develop my skills and discover new techniques. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of illustration and the creative process.

Illustrations have completely transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. After graduating, I was fortunate enough to join the Anna Goodson Illustration Agency, which, I must say, played a crucial role in shaping my career as a professional illustrator.  Anna is my talent scout, she provided me with invaluable guidance and direction that helped me refine my style and technique.

Joining the agency has allowed me to continually polish my skills and explore new styles. Over time, illustration has become an integral part of my life, much more than just a job, but something essential to me. I enjoy being surrounded by things that exude artistry, and I love to decorate my studio with my illustrations.

Being an illustrator has also allowed me to collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry. From working on children’s books to designing advertising campaigns, I have had the privilege of being a part of some exciting projects. The opportunities that have come my way have been a dream come true, and I am grateful for each one of them.

I still remembered my first commission work was for AdAge Magazine, that was my first day at the agency. I was thrilled but nervous, I know that I had to make it perfect. To my relief, the results turned out really well, and the client was pleased with the outcome. They were so satisfied with the work that they asked me to take on another commission just a few months later. It was a huge confidence boost for me, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working with such a prestigious publication.

Through illustration, I have found a sense of fulfillment, a way to cope with difficult emotions, and a medium to explore new ideas and concepts. I am grateful for the impact that illustration has had on my life, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as an artist.