MA Illustration

Xuerui Chen

Illustration of girl sitting in meadow with dark creature, caption "Welcome my emotion"

I graduated from the Cambridge School of Art, working with a range of media including digital painting, mixed materials, watercolors, colored pencils, and various printmaking techniques. My art begins with reflections on my own life, exploring how we navigate the influence of external forces in today's society.

Through my work, I aim to address contemporary social issues while offering insights to those who may struggle with self-doubt, low self-esteem, or a tendency to complain due to external pressures. Rather than solely highlighting the negative aspects of these experiences, I strive to encourage a more balanced, thoughtful perspective. By acknowledging the challenges, I hope to inspire a mindset that embraces positivity and humor, allowing people to face adversity with resilience and optimism.

Welcome, My Emotions is an illustrated picture book that invites readers to explore the theme of emotional acceptance. The story personifies emotions as visitors — temporary guests that come and go — encouraging readers to observe and understand their emotions rather than resist them. The project draws inspiration from personal experiences of emotional uncertainty, aiming to show that emotions, even difficult ones, are natural and manageable. By acknowledging and accepting emotions, individuals can grow stronger and more resilient over time.

The illustrations in the book combine traditional and digital techniques. Textured backgrounds are first created using hand-painted methods, which are then scanned and refined in Photoshop. Digital tools are used to add soft, calming brush strokes and a soothing color palette, reinforcing the book's message of self-compassion and emotional growth.

Illustration of girl holding back horde of dark creatures with board
Illustration of girl looking at dark creatures outside window
Illustration of girl huddling in tent with dark creatures outside
Illustration of girl asleep in bed with dark creatures in room
Illustration of girl in dark forest
Illustration of girl in forest chasing fireflies, examining plant and reaching up to dark creature
Illustration of girl in tree branch with dark creatures
Struggling to resist the arrival of the emotional guest. The emotional guest always finds a way to get closer. Trying hard to avoid the emotional guest, but always being found. Attempting to escape the emotional guest by sleeping. Deciding to uncover the reason behind the emotional guest's arrival. Through interaction, finally making peace with the emotional guest. Facing the emotions together with the emotional guest.