We introduce the colourful characters of Neko Jiang
In her “Neko World”, the illustrator Neko Jiang uses her imagination to describe lively scenes and populate them with a series of colorful characters.
Originally from Chengdu, China, the seeds of Jiang's illustration career were planted at a young age. "When I was a kid my parents were busy with their jobs and I only had a few comics and cartoon discs to go with me," she tells CR.
“When I was in elementary school, I used to draw cartoon characters based on my classmates in class. After that, I started drawing them in four-box comics. At the same time, I gave these characters personalities and used them in fictions that I wrote myself. I also illustrated for my fiction, which was probably my earliest illustration. "
Jiang moved to Shanghai University and originally studied animation before getting interested in illustration as a form of storytelling. “I started paying attention to the illustrations around me and was deeply fascinated by goods that came with beautifully illustrated packaging,” she says.
"Gradually, I wanted to be an illustrator who could draw eye-catching works of art, who could express myself bravely, who could be seen by the public, who could evoke the viewer's emotions."
To improve her illustration skills, Jiang moved to New York City to do a Masters at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The experience of trading with continents and cities had a huge impact on their unique aesthetics.
“After coming to New York, I felt like my work has gotten brighter and more energetic than before, just like it was in New York City. I want my illustrations to have the energy to inspire people, to bring them joy and love, ”she says.
Nowadays, Jiang's style revolves around lively scenes and characters and usually comes with a strong message. “I feel like it is constantly evolving. My style started as a visual and color scheme, but now I want to focus on the metaphor of a story. I hope viewers see the stories hidden in my illustrations, ”she says.
One of the illustrator's most challenging and personal projects to date is her graphic novel Allergen, which was inspired by a particularly bad breakup and an allergic reaction that happened around the same time.
“My ex cheated on me for a year. After I ended the relationship, I suddenly got a really bad allergic reaction called urticaria, which had hives on my lips, tongue, throat and joints that were swollen and itchy, ”she explains.
“I suffered mental and physical pain and decided to turn that pain into inspiration for this project. Creating this whole process has contributed to my own healing. "
Allergen is filled with hidden Easter eggs and rich metaphors; Eden stands for the mental world and the residents take on the role of the subconscious. While it is a story of pain, it also offers a hopeful message that once you find the source of the suffering, you can overcome it.
Looking ahead, Jiang wants to start doing more editorial and promotional work. Above all, however, she wants her illustrations to bring a little joy to as many people as possible.
"I will continue to turn my experiences into inspiration, tell stories and create zines or picture books," she says. "It would be my greatest honor if someone could resonate with the stories I create and be enlightened by them."
nekojiang.com