Xin He has been shortlisted for the project Journey of People in the Song Dynasty in the WIA2021 Professional Commercial Publishing Category. Find out more about Xin He and her shortlisted project:

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?

My favorite thing about my shortlisted project is the details of daily life in my works. I try to show the life details and spiritual world of ordinary people in ancient China more than a thousand years ago, from the perspective of Song people.

What materials did you use?

I used pencil, ink, watercolor paper, scanner, iPad and computer.

How long did it take?

I spent about 35 hours on each work.

Why did you choose to enter this work?

This series of works are my favorite and newly completed. This is my first time to participate in the World Illustration Awards, so I wanted to show more classical Chinese culture to the audience.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to set up my own illustration studio, let more people see my works, and integrate my unique visual elements into products and exhibitions.

If you could work for/with anyone who would it be?

I hope to work with magazines, publishers and commercial brands from Britain, Canada, the United States and other countries.                                                

What is your best tip for other illustrators?

You may be unknown for many years. You may have a lot of sadness and grievances, but don’t give up. Keep working towards a goal, and your dream will come true one day.