Yao Cheng is a watercolor artist and designer based in Columbus, Ohio working from her eponymous painting brand Yao Cheng Design! Yao has been painting and drawing since she was 5, but it is only in the last few years that she has discovered her painting style, and used this to create her firm. She works from downtown Columbus, where she operates an online retail shop and design studio creating modern and bright watercolor designs. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Yao Cheng.
Image Credit: 1) CB2 2) Woking Girl Designs 3) Leah Duncan 4) Cloud 9 Fabrics 5) Satsuki Shibuya
Additional Photography) Christa Kimble Photography
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style is focused on modern, colourful watercolour designs that feel effortless yet interesting.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I usually try to visualize the general feel of what I’m going for in my head. I don’t usually sketch ahead of time, rather, I love reacting and improvising as I start to paint. I usually have a color palette in mind or know what kind of motifs to use.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I can’t think of one person in particular, but I respect other creatives who value taking the time to give me advice or help me grow as an artist.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I love observing nature for its organic patterns and colors. I usually like to sketch paint when I don’t know where to start, certain colors or shapes will eventually trigger an idea. This works for me because it’s very intuitive and I like to create artwork that captures a moment or feeling.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
A lot of hard work, but more than anything, a lot of love for what I do. My passion for painting is the most important drive in taking me where I am now. I started my own business because I wanted to paint and share it with others. I would say, if you want to start your own creative business, you have to love what you do 120%. Always put quality before quantity, if you don’t love what you put out there, then it’s not worth doing.
