Based in New York, Xinyue Song is more than just an illustrator; she’s a visionary who mixes her deep knowledge of 2D animation with old and new stories. She earned a master’s degree in Computer Arts from the School of Visual Arts and has carved out a niche in still and animated illustration.
Currently, Xinyue is working on an exciting project that brings together her Chinese background with her artistic skills. She’s collaborating with a cultural company in Beijing to create still and animated illustrations about Baijiu (Colorless Chinese liquor). This project aims to refresh the brand’s visual design and introduce Baijiu’s heritage to a global audience by using still and animated illustrations. In this project, Xinyue’s job is to create illustrations that not only tell the visual story of the brand, but also reflect the cultural essence of Baijiu. This effort highlights her unique ability to blend modern and traditional cultures through her skills.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t Xinyue Song’s first time working on animation projects. Back in 2018, her solo animation “Code” won the Best Animation Award at the Byron Bay International Film Festival and was nominated for several other awards. She has also made a series of animated illustrations for Converse. These projects show off her skills in dynamic graphics and her ability to work well with international brands and their diverse audiences. Xinyue uses storytelling techniques in her animations that are not only visually appealing but also explore deeper themes, blending engaging stories with beautiful design to capture viewers’ attention.
Apart from her commercial work, Xinyue Song’s personal projects show her keen eye for everyday life and her dedication to showing how resilient women are in various roles and environments. Her pieces “Waiting” and “Sunday” have made it to the finals in several top illustration contests, like Communication Arts, AI-AP and 3×3, offering deep views into women’s lives and revealing their inner strength and complex feelings. Another series, “Flying,” which captures daily moments, won the Artistic Prize at this year’s Leonardo Da Vinci International Festival and was featured at the OCIYAC New York International Illustration Exhibition. Her illustrations are known for their bright colors, clean layouts, and deep meanings. Through themes of daily life and women’s strength, Xinyue explores her own inner world and curiosity, effectively showing off her artistic vision.
Xinyue Song’s creations show how illustration can explore and challenge. Her ability to blend cultural depth with vibrant aesthetics encourages viewers to see the world with greater empathy and understanding. Through her art, Xinyue invites us to appreciate the resilience and strength of women, inspiring a broader conversation about identity, empowerment, and the beauty in everyday moments.