Xi Chen the Illustrator
@xichenillust.bsky.social
I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focus on children's book illustration, MG/ YA novel art and character design. SCBWI Carolinas. Former game artist for 8 years.
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
Style test for my #manga #YAGN project. I say it's a #shojomanga but some of my beta readers after reading the script said it's not. Who knows XDDD. I also designed and built a 3d scene for the story, not polished yet.
November 9, 2025 at 1:42 AM
Style test for my #manga #YAGN project. I say it's a #shojomanga but some of my beta readers after reading the script said it's not. Who knows XDDD. I also designed and built a 3d scene for the story, not polished yet.
Some #CharacterDesign for my personal #YA #YAGN #GraphicNovel #shojomanga #manga project. Still need to polish some supporting characters and main characters' posing to better show off their personalities.
October 27, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Some #CharacterDesign for my personal #YA #YAGN #GraphicNovel #shojomanga #manga project. Still need to polish some supporting characters and main characters' posing to better show off their personalities.
I started an online #manga class. It's my first time creating manga XD. The instructor assisted Japanese manga artists for years. Among classmates, many either have work online or on going in Japan. The TA is awesome. Are people interested in seeing my homework and critique later? #graphicnovel
September 24, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I started an online #manga class. It's my first time creating manga XD. The instructor assisted Japanese manga artists for years. Among classmates, many either have work online or on going in Japan. The TA is awesome. Are people interested in seeing my homework and critique later? #graphicnovel
Some character design draft dump.
September 19, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Some character design draft dump.
How can you force yourself to finish one sketch within 15min without it looking broken? I seriously CAN NOT...
September 19, 2025 at 2:29 PM
How can you force yourself to finish one sketch within 15min without it looking broken? I seriously CAN NOT...
Character design for my #YoungAdult #RomanceFantasy #GraphicNovel. Still needs to work on other details. I wanna go for a #shojomanga appeal. I know the publication industry is not so welcoming to anime art style, but if I have to draw something for 350p, better go with the style I'm happy with
August 26, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Character design for my #YoungAdult #RomanceFantasy #GraphicNovel. Still needs to work on other details. I wanna go for a #shojomanga appeal. I know the publication industry is not so welcoming to anime art style, but if I have to draw something for 350p, better go with the style I'm happy with
Reposted by Xi Chen the Illustrator
Artists working in mainstream USA comics: Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, etc. all expect art to these dimensions. I'm seeing more and more disregard for the standard specs, and it affects everyone's deadlines to have production try and wrestle your art into proper proportions.
August 20, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Artists working in mainstream USA comics: Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, etc. all expect art to these dimensions. I'm seeing more and more disregard for the standard specs, and it affects everyone's deadlines to have production try and wrestle your art into proper proportions.
I got discouraged writing my manuscript so I shift to drawing, then I got discouraged drawing. What a creative process. I finished Howl’s Moving Castle and left so confused. Despite of the opening scene I didn’t get anything.I got furious watching Ponyo. Maybe I’m born to dislike Miyazaki. I’m wrong
August 18, 2025 at 2:02 PM
I got discouraged writing my manuscript so I shift to drawing, then I got discouraged drawing. What a creative process. I finished Howl’s Moving Castle and left so confused. Despite of the opening scene I didn’t get anything.I got furious watching Ponyo. Maybe I’m born to dislike Miyazaki. I’m wrong
I wonder what makes people wanna buy a young adult graphic novel. I used to plan to write a romance story. I shared it to some people. They told me it’s boring. So I took a screenplay writing class and redo my story. Although I only have a rough outline, it seems like an adventure action story now…
July 29, 2025 at 1:25 AM
I wonder what makes people wanna buy a young adult graphic novel. I used to plan to write a romance story. I shared it to some people. They told me it’s boring. So I took a screenplay writing class and redo my story. Although I only have a rough outline, it seems like an adventure action story now…
Slightly better? BTW, let me know if you don't wanna see anime on this account, since most people follow me from kidlit.
July 28, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Slightly better? BTW, let me know if you don't wanna see anime on this account, since most people follow me from kidlit.
I seriously wanna start drawing my graphic novel but I get stuck on script. I took a screenplay writing class and trashed my first outline but can’t finish the second version. I also have another YAOI idea but not sure if I should do it XD. Should I just start drawing and forget about writing?
July 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
I seriously wanna start drawing my graphic novel but I get stuck on script. I took a screenplay writing class and trashed my first outline but can’t finish the second version. I also have another YAOI idea but not sure if I should do it XD. Should I just start drawing and forget about writing?
Hey #PortfolioDay! I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, looking for #PictureBook #MiddleGrade #comic illustration and #CharacterDesign gig. Former game artist for 8 years. I love #Fantasy and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #cover
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #cover
July 8, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Hey #PortfolioDay! I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, looking for #PictureBook #MiddleGrade #comic illustration and #CharacterDesign gig. Former game artist for 8 years. I love #Fantasy and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #cover
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #cover
I've been thinking if I should post my anime drawing here. I LOVE anime guys, but it has nothing to do with kidlit or graphic novel? I'd like to make this account a kidlit or graphic novel related work account. But I have no intention making a new account for anime drawings. What do you guys think?
July 6, 2025 at 3:59 PM
I've been thinking if I should post my anime drawing here. I LOVE anime guys, but it has nothing to do with kidlit or graphic novel? I'd like to make this account a kidlit or graphic novel related work account. But I have no intention making a new account for anime drawings. What do you guys think?
I haven't drawn anything for months. I'm too caught up with coming up with my own story and learn how to. I've been watching tutorials, reading others' books. I even turn my dusty kindle on. I don't know if I can come up with anything at all...And the cost to push it forward is kind of scary.
May 29, 2025 at 1:36 PM
I haven't drawn anything for months. I'm too caught up with coming up with my own story and learn how to. I've been watching tutorials, reading others' books. I even turn my dusty kindle on. I don't know if I can come up with anything at all...And the cost to push it forward is kind of scary.
I want to make a graphic novel about a girl mermaid and her adventure in human world, but the scene I want to draw the most is two guys fighting over their own family heritage XDDDD
April 22, 2025 at 6:35 PM
I want to make a graphic novel about a girl mermaid and her adventure in human world, but the scene I want to draw the most is two guys fighting over their own family heritage XDDDD
www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GWDU7M...
Tobe Hero X!!! High stake, fast pace, perfect animation and cinematography. Soooo proud of this Chinese anime. If making a graphic novel, I wish I could make something like this XDDDD
Tobe Hero X!!! High stake, fast pace, perfect animation and cinematography. Soooo proud of this Chinese anime. If making a graphic novel, I wish I could make something like this XDDDD
Crunchyroll: Watch Popular Anime, Play Games & Shop OnlineCrunchyroll logoCrunchyroll logoMenuDropdown menuLoader
www.crunchyroll.com
April 14, 2025 at 3:44 PM
www.crunchyroll.com/watch/GWDU7M...
Tobe Hero X!!! High stake, fast pace, perfect animation and cinematography. Soooo proud of this Chinese anime. If making a graphic novel, I wish I could make something like this XDDDD
Tobe Hero X!!! High stake, fast pace, perfect animation and cinematography. Soooo proud of this Chinese anime. If making a graphic novel, I wish I could make something like this XDDDD
Reposted by Xi Chen the Illustrator
Little gentle reminder to all the human creatives out there 💪
April 9, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Little gentle reminder to all the human creatives out there 💪
One thing I heard multiple times for #graphicnovel was “art is not important”. I get story is more than anything. But everyone is saying art is nothing. And there are definitely super popular comic/ manga out there that has low quality art. But does that really mean “art is nothing”? If so, why GN?
April 10, 2025 at 2:41 PM
One thing I heard multiple times for #graphicnovel was “art is not important”. I get story is more than anything. But everyone is saying art is nothing. And there are definitely super popular comic/ manga out there that has low quality art. But does that really mean “art is nothing”? If so, why GN?
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day!
I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focusing on #kidlit illustration and character design. Former game artist for 8 years. I love magical and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #cover
#PictureBook #MiddleGrade
I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focusing on #kidlit illustration and character design. Former game artist for 8 years. I love magical and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #cover
#PictureBook #MiddleGrade
April 3, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day!
I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focusing on #kidlit illustration and character design. Former game artist for 8 years. I love magical and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #cover
#PictureBook #MiddleGrade
I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focusing on #kidlit illustration and character design. Former game artist for 8 years. I love magical and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #cover
#PictureBook #MiddleGrade
If you were me, will you take his class? I was browsing comic/ manga classes and found an instructor. He’s a Taiwan editor worked in Japan with famous mangakas for decades. His theory is mind blowing. BUT, in his 3 hour long trail class, 2 hours are him bragging. The 1 hour is gold. #manga #comic
March 29, 2025 at 3:56 PM
A spread page from my dummy. Would you attend a magic school if you had a chance? #kidlitart #kidlit #childrenillustration #childrensbooks #illustration #Fantasy #t-rex
March 19, 2025 at 2:47 PM
A spread page from my dummy. Would you attend a magic school if you had a chance? #kidlitart #kidlit #childrenillustration #childrensbooks #illustration #Fantasy #t-rex
Illustrators, have you suddenly had new discoveries that can impact your drawings a lot? Then you look at your old work, it all turned into crXp. To make things worse, your old piece became viral or a client use it. And every time you see the old piece again you want to bury your head in dirt
March 18, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Illustrators, have you suddenly had new discoveries that can impact your drawings a lot? Then you look at your old work, it all turned into crXp. To make things worse, your old piece became viral or a client use it. And every time you see the old piece again you want to bury your head in dirt
I'm soooo hyped for this Chinese anime. Yes Yes Yes!!!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh_u...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh_u...
《凸变英雄X》定档4月6日 全球同播【原创 | Made By Bilibili】
YouTube video by 哔哩哔哩动画Anime Made By Bilibili - 欢迎订阅 -
www.youtube.com
March 14, 2025 at 8:23 PM
I'm soooo hyped for this Chinese anime. Yes Yes Yes!!!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh_u...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh_u...
Happy spring. I took a break from making dummy. #kidlitart #kidlit #childrenillustration #childrensbooks #illustration #PeachBlossom #Fantasy #Spring
March 11, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Happy spring. I took a break from making dummy. #kidlitart #kidlit #childrenillustration #childrensbooks #illustration #PeachBlossom #Fantasy #Spring
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day!
I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focusing on #kidlit illustration and character design. Former game artist for 8 years. I love magical and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #illustration
I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focusing on #kidlit illustration and character design. Former game artist for 8 years. I love magical and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #illustration
March 7, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Happy #kidlitartpostcard day!
I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focusing on #kidlit illustration and character design. Former game artist for 8 years. I love magical and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #illustration
I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focusing on #kidlit illustration and character design. Former game artist for 8 years. I love magical and whimsical things!
Seeking representation.
🎨 xichenillust.com
✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com
#KidLitArt #illustration