MA Illustration

Yutong Xu (Yetta)

Illustration of woman sitting in countryside

A spread from my master project ‘The Still Day’ which explores our connection to nature in the future society.

My name is Yetta Xu, an illustrator originally from China, now based in Leeds.

I find joy in storytelling through illustration, where I can celebrate the subtle moments of life that often go unnoticed. My love for drawing fuels my practice, as I explore how visual expression can foster connection with others.

I’m drawn to themes of identity, nature, and finding beauty in the everyday, while staying open and playful.

My project consists of two graphic novel zines that delve into the alienation from nature within a future technological society, highlighting a profound longing for nature and emotional companionship in an increasingly isolated world. Following the protagonist’s everyday life and her rare opportunity to explore a restricted garden, the narrative offers a gentle critique of modern society. It reflects on the emotional struggles of individuals, urging us to reconsider our relationship with technology and nature in a fast-paced world.

The Master's project has broadened my practice and shaped a personal working method. By experimenting with hand-drawn textures and exploring diverse materials, I created experiences that feel both unique and heartfelt.

Illustration of futuristic city
Illustration of woman on moebius strip with illustrations of work day below
Illustrations of woman wandering through biodome and examining plants
Double page book spread showing comic strip of woman entering home and looking for cat, then unzipping its neck and plugging it into wall socket
Illustration of mouse rolling ball of wool next to river with fox in police rowboat
Illustration of mouse rolling ball of wool over hill of objects
A spread of the future city design from book ‘The Still Day’. A spread of the heroine’s daily work routine from book ‘The Still Day’. A spread of the heroine exploring the hidden garden from book ‘The Still Day’. A spread of the heroine with her electronic cat from book ‘The Forgotten Night’. A zine celebrating scrambled eggs recipes of different descriptions, exploring the creativity in this simple yet beloved dish through playful illustrations and handwriting. A spread from "A Ball of Yarn" – Shortlisted in the Communication Arts Illustration Competition (2024), this children’s book follows a little mouse as it embarks on a magical adventure, all starting with the discovery of a single thread of yarn. A spread from "A Ball of Yarn" – Shortlisted in the Communication Arts Illustration Competition (2024), this children’s book follows a little mouse as it embarks on a magical adventure, all starting with the discovery of a single thread of yarn.