Meet Yuanhao Tang | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yuanhao Tang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yuanhao, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I developed an interest in art at an early age, around the second grade of middle school. I used art as a means to escape the high-pressure school routine. It wasn’t until high school that I realized I could turn this passion into a skill to earn a solid income and start a career. Then I recalled being fascinated by numerous picture and sequential books I found on my grandparents’ bookshelves. This childhood memory eventually became the inspiration for my career; I aspire to be as skilled as those picture book illustrators and artists, telling stories and fantasies with pens and ink.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m very proud of the line works in my art; it’s what sets my work apart. My pieces are predominantly linear, with the lines almost becoming decorative in themselves, often overshadowing the use of color. I specialize in book illustrations, particularly for young adults, creating amazing book covers, chapter pages, spreads, and more. This focus on line work has allowed me to develop a unique style that has become my specialty. My artistic journey has seen significant evolution over the past year, with my style shifting to emphasize line work more prominently. I dedicated much time to studying drawing and drawing inspiration from various online sources. One piece of advice that stuck with me came from an art director I met, who emphasized the importance of fully embracing my unique style, particularly my strength in line work. They reminded me that everyone has different strengths, and focusing on mine is what makes my work stand out. ‘There are people good in color and good in line work; everyone is different, but being different doesn’t mean bad. Don’t worry about trying to compensate for what you perceive as shortcomings by comparing yourself to others. Instead, put all your efforts into honing your advantage.’

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, this question is a bit challenging for me. We hosted friends for a visit, and they stayed for a week. We took them to the World of Coca-Cola and the Aquarium on the first two days. After visiting these attractions, we drove a bit further. There’s a beautiful botanical garden outside of midtown Atlanta, a perfect place to visit with family, loved ones, or even for some personal relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. Helen Town is another great destination; it’s a small German town that offers a completely different experience compared to Atlanta. There are numerous hiking spots available, such as Stone Mountain, and various ranches for horseback riding enthusiasts. If you’re interested in Japanese food, like ramen, I recommend trying out the restaurant called ‘Okiboru.’ You won’t regret trying the best ramen I’ve had in my 6 years in America.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I cherish my family deeply; all my family members know me well, and they are my strongest support. They will always be there for me, regardless of what happens in my career; they helped me reach my current stage. My life and career goals would be completely different if they hadn’t witnessed my ups and downs; every time I faced challenges, they stood by me through harsh moments. The same appreciation goes to my beloved partner, Yezi; meeting you was truly wonderful. Yezi is why I keep pushing myself to the limit and improving alongside my family, especially during these six years we’ve been together; I couldn’t ask for more from her; we are soul mates. And if I achieve any career success, these people are, without a doubt, to whom I owe endless gratitude.

Website: https://yhillustration.portfoliobox.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halfhandhenry/

Image Credits
Yuanhao Tang