For illustrator Morain An, the most compelling stories are often found in the quiet details of everyday life. Born in China and now based in New York City, An has developed a distinctive visual language characterized by flat color palettes, hand-drawn textures, and an ability to transform ordinary observations into emotionally resonant imagery. Drawing inspiration from literature, film, urban life, and personal experiences, her work invites viewers to slow down and discover beauty in moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.
In this interview with Art Insider, Morain An discusses her creative journey, the influence of New York City on her artistic voice, the role of traditional media in her process, and how she balances observation, narrative, and emotion within her illustrations.
Could you tell us a bit about your background and what first drew you to illustration?
I’m an illustrator born in China and currently based in New York. I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember, though it began more as an instinct than a conscious decision. It wasn’t until high school that I discovered illustration as a discipline and realized that a single image could carry ideas, emotions, and narratives. That realization led me to pursue illustration as both a practice and a profession.
How would you describe your illustration style and what makes it distinct?
I’m drawn to simple, flat color palettes and a sense of visual clarity. My work is often inspired by small, everyday moments, subtle details that quietly shift how a day feels. These fleeting observations tend to stay with me, and when I’m making illustrations, I like to bring them back into the work, capturing how ordinary scenes can carry emotional weight.
Hand drawing seems central to your process — what does it bring to your work that digital tools can’t?
I love working with pencil and watercolor together. These materials bring a sense of breath and uncertainty to the image; there’s room for accidents, softness, and things not being fully controlled. I’m drawn to that kind of imperfection. The way watercolor spreads or the way a pencil line hesitates adds a quiet tension that feels alive to me, something that’s difficult to fully replicate with digital tools.
What themes or emotions do you aim to explore through your illustrations?
I’m interested in introducing small touches of humor or dramatic narrative. Many ideas begin with subtle observations from daily life or literature, which I then transform into more expressive or intensified scenes.
Where do you usually find inspiration — from your surroundings, people, or other art forms?
I find inspiration in both everyday surroundings and narrative-driven sources. I’m especially drawn to stories, specific events, moments, or scenes, often inspired by films. A single frame from a movie, or a particular story moment, can stay with me and quietly shape how I think about an image.
At the same time, I’m influenced by my surroundings, walking through the city, overhearing conversations, noticing how light falls on a table or how people occupy space.
What does your creative process typically look like from idea to final piece?
I usually start by making many small sketches on paper with pencil and watercolor, letting ideas emerge intuitively. After clarifying the concept through research and references, I move into digital line work and color while preserving the hand-drawn quality.
Has living and working in New York City influenced your artistic voice or subject matter in any way?
Absolutely. Living in New York leaves a deep mark on anyone who has spent time here. Whether the experiences are positive or difficult, they become part of who you are. The city’s intensity, speed, energy, and moments of isolation have shaped how I perceive my surroundings and my own emotions, and these accumulated feelings quietly inform my work.
Can you share a project or piece that holds special meaning for you and why?
One that holds special meaning for me is a small piece titled Spring! Do More Exercise!. At the time, it was simply a way of recording a physical and emotional state, capturing a moment of transition as the season began to shift. The drawings weren’t made with much reflection in mind; they were more like quiet notes of the present.
Looking back, the series has taken on a different meaning. It now feels like a record of pause and recovery, showing how subtle changes in routine, weather, and energy can shape both the body and the mind. That distance in time allows the work to reveal more than it did in the moment it was created.
How do you hope viewers feel or interpret your work when they see it?
I hope viewers can sense the way I see the world through my images. Rather than presenting dramatic moments, I’m more interested in quiet, everyday scenes, small details, pauses, and fragments of life that often go unnoticed. I like leaving space within the image, allowing different moments to exist side by side and giving viewers room to observe, reflect, and form their own interpretations. In that sense, the work isn’t about offering answers, but about sharing a way of looking.
What’s next for you — any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?
I’m continuing to develop new personal work alongside commissioned projects, allowing space to experiment while staying grounded in observation and material exploration. I’m also focused on expanding my editorial illustration practice and exploring opportunities that allow for more narrative-driven imagery.
Morain An’s work serves as a reminder that meaningful stories do not always require grand subjects or dramatic narratives. Through careful observation, thoughtful composition, and a deep appreciation for everyday experiences, she creates illustrations that encourage reflection and connection. Her ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary storytelling has helped shape a unique artistic voice that resonates across editorial and personal work alike.
As she continues to expand her practice and explore new narrative possibilities, An remains committed to capturing the subtle emotions, fleeting moments, and quiet beauty that define the human experience. We look forward to seeing how her artistic journey continues to evolve in the years ahead.