Meet Chinese illustrator and visual storyteller based in Brooklyn, Feifei Ruan.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a Chinese illustrator and visual storyteller based in New York City.  I studied visual storytelling and received my MFA from the School of Visual Arts in 2015. My works can be seen on book covers, magazines, websites, merchandise, and billboards. My style ranges from eastern classic to science fiction and fantasy.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Living in New York City is like living in the movies. Where dramatic stories happen. People come here for a reason, a dream, a purpose. They keep the city inspiring and energetic. As an artist, I like the creative diversity and the art community here. I’m happy to be a part of it.

Living in New York City is like living in the movies. Where dramatic stories happen. People come here for a reason, a dream, a purpose. They keep the city inspiring and energetic. As an artist, I like the creative diversity and the art community here. I’m happy to be a part of it.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

Best: museums / Worst: subway

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Inspired / Supportive / Competitive

How did you start your career in art?

I studied Visual Communication in college then worked at a graphic design company as an intern. I didn’t know what I want at that time. So I came to NYC to study visual storytelling and accidentally learned about freelancing. I became a full-time freelance illustrator after I graduated.

I studied Visual Communication in college then worked at a graphic design company as an intern. I didn’t know what I want at that time. So I came to NYC to study visual storytelling and accidentally learned about freelancing. I became a full-time freelance illustrator after I graduated.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

My parents didn’t like this idea at first, but my passion and action changed their minds.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I just hope to keep doing what I’ve been doing. And I always look forward to the new opportunities.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

There are so many talented people I want to collaborate with. Like writers, designers, filmmakers, etc. (I’m too shy to share their names.)

How would you describe the women around you?

Very supportive, either professionally or emotionally. My friends, teachers, clients, families or strangers — I wouldn’t be who I am without their guidance.

Very supportive, either professionally or emotionally. My friends, teachers, clients, families or strangers — I wouldn’t be who I am without their guidance.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

The comic artist Little Thunder from Hong Kong. She’s still making great arts right now.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Not really… I’ve been getting “manly” jobs from different clients (like car ads). The work itself doesn’t reflect genders, only people do.

There’s always doubts and frustrations at every stage. Follow your guts, believe in your future, and always remember what got you started in the first place.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

There’s always doubts and frustrations at every stage. Follow your guts, believe in your future, and always remember what got you started in the first place.

Photos courtesy of Feifei Ruan.