Xujia Zhang, Finding Poetry in Everyday Life

Xujia Zhang is an award-winning illustrator based in Shenzhen, China. His work is defined by bold, vibrant colour, and loose, expressive brushstrokes, capturing playful and emotionally rich narratives inspired by modern life, nature, and human connection. He has collaborated with clients including Apple, MGM Resorts, UNICEF, and Alibaba and his illustrations have been recognised by the 3x3 International Illustration Show, iJungle Illustration Awards, and the China Illustration Biennial.

Drawing inspiration from nature and everyday observations, Xujia brings freshness and feeling to each piece he creates.

Let’s find out more about Xujia, where he finds his inspiration, how his process works, and more:

What would you say is your best piece of work / collaboration to date, and why?

I really enjoyed my collaboration with Apple in 2025. I was commissioned to create an illustration for their WeChat social post, drawing on an iPhone-captured Chinese landscape photo using an iPad. Actually, it was my first time drawing over a photo, creating an illustration that interacted with the scenery in a playful way. It was a new and fun experience for me. I really appreciated the professional art direction from the Apple team and the creative freedom they gave me. It was such a great collaboration.

Where do you like to go to be inspired, or how do you find your inspiration?

I like to go into natural environments to find inspiration: the sea, mountains, forests, plants, animals… basically, everything about nature. I also enjoy casually walking around the city to document interesting corners or human connections.

Is there anything you'd say you would be a good advocate for? Please elaborate if so.

I’d say I’m an advocate for finding the poetry and fun in daily life. I think it’s ordinary life that makes up the majority of our memories. We tend to overlook these moments because of busy schedules. I want to document these valuable feelings and memories of daily life through my illustrations.

What would you say sets you apart from other illustrators? Something you feel is unique to you.

I think it’s my storytelling through a fresh perspective, along with varied compositions and bold colour palettes. In this way, I depict the modern lifestyles, nature, and human connections that I’m passionate about.

If you have done paid commissions prior to joining the agency, what would you say is something that clients repeatedly come to you for (up to now)?

I think it is my smooth communication, on-time delivery, understanding of clients’ needs, and consistent illustration style.

How would you describe your style?

I’d describe my illustration style as highly saturated and emotionally expressive. I like to use bold and vibrant colour shapes, casual brushstrokes, and interesting compositions to create poetic or playful visual narratives and convey ideas.

Please give a scenario of a project that would mean the world to you, if you were offered it – something that connects to something meaningful to you.

One of my dream projects would be creating interactive illustration installations for natural science or wildlife education. I’ve been interested in these topics since I was a child. It would be amazing to turn nature and wildlife education into something vibrant and easy to understand – specifically through installations in museums or parks where people can actually interact with the art.

Are you working on any personal projects you can share with us?

I’m working on a series of personal illustrations about daily life. They function like a visual diary, using colours and compositions to document feelings and memories in modern life – for instance, watching the full moon rise over the horizon. Through these illustrations, I’m exploring more diverse ways of visual storytelling.

Finally, if you were to illustrate a book related to a real life person, who would that be?

Actually, I haven’t really thought about this before, so I don’t have a specific name in mind right now. However, I’d love to illustrate books about the lives and careers of artists or scientists.

If you’d like more info, please contact [email protected]

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