iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

#art Did a #vgen #commission for a client. Thx for the business! #vgencomm #illustration #VGenOpen One-week fast turnaround portraits for #fanart and #OC! Hit me up with whatever. @XiaoFeiArt | VGen: vgen.co/XiaoFeiArt

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

When seeing so many artists post their drawings showing off how much progress they've made within couple years, I was worried that since I haven't been drawing as much it would not seem that much of a difference. Now I'm glad there are some changes. #HSR #DrRatio

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Found an old drawing I did several years ago. Like the dress design so I did a quick paint over. Some how it doesn't look too different so I redid the sketch. Don't know if I'm gonna finish this one. If so, it's only for the purpose to see how much I've changed in terms of taste and skill. #genshin

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

#art Did some #vgen #commission for clients. Thx for the business! #vgencomm #illustration #VGenOpen One-week fast turnaround portraits for #fanart and #OC! Hit me up with whatever. XiaoFei (@XiaoFeiArt) | VGen: vgen.co/XiaoFeiArt

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

#art #commission #vgen #vgencomm #illustration #VGenOpen Open up 1 week fast turnaround portraits for #fanart and #OC! Hit me up with whatever! vgen.co/XiaoFeiArt

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

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.

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

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.

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

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

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

How can you force yourself to finish one sketch within 15min without it looking broken? I seriously CAN NOT...

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

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

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Reposted by Xi Chen the Illustrator

Nate Piekos of Blambot @blambot.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

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.

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

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

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

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…

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

Slightly better? BTW, let me know if you don't wanna see anime on this account, since most people follow me from kidlit.

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

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?

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

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

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

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?

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

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.

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

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

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

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

crunchyroll.com

Crunchyroll: Watch Popular Anime, Play Games & Shop OnlineCrunchyroll logoCrunchyroll logoMenuDropdown menuLoader

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Reposted by Xi Chen the Illustrator

Elise Schuenke @troubledminnesotan.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Little gentle reminder to all the human creatives out there 💪

Panel 1: character crying at a desk
Text: this IS hard

Panel 2: character is now drawing determinedly
Text: but I can do it

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

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?

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

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

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

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

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

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

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

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

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

I finally got my personal website done! Yay! xichenillust.com I feel extra professional now XD. I'm using Hostinger cuz it's one of the budget friendly options. It doesn't have some fancier functions but I'm thankful. Any suggestions? BTW, I've been quiet working on my first dummy. #kidlitart

xichenillust.com

Xi's Kidlit illustration portfolio | Xi Chen's Portfolio

I'm Xi Chen, a Chinese artist focusing on kidlit illustration. Currently located in Morrsville, NC, US. I was a game artist for more than 8 years, working on projects that were whimsical and family-f...

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Harold Underdown @hunderdown.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Announcement! All the practical stuff in #kidlit publishing, coming up 3/16 + 3/18! Join me for a jam-packed 2-night course covering everything from book types to contracts and the publishing process—plus a chance to ask your pressing questions! More details: tinyurl.com/mtadfe5u Please repost.

A graphic for the "Practical Matters in Children's Book Publishing" workshop, March 16 and 18.

Key topics covered during the program will include:
• A guide to types of children’s books;
• Getting support and feedback;
• Researching types of publishers, editors, and agents;
• Understanding the submission process;
• How manuscripts are acquired;
• Key terms in contracts and how they work;
• What to expect in the publishing process;
• and so much more!
There will be time saved for a Q&A on the final night of the program.

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Reid Southen @rahll.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

🔴CALLING ALL ARTISTS🔴 Christie's NYC is planning an AI art auction expected to bring in over $600,000 to creators who've used models trained on copyrighted material from non-consenting artists. If you object to this, please sign and share this open letter. openletter.earth/cancel-the-c...

8 February 2025
Cancel the Christie's AI Art Auction

Nicole Sales Giles & Sebastian Sanchez

Christie’s, New York

Dear Nicole and Sebastian,

We are writing to express serious concern over your upcoming auction of AI art at Christie’s.

Many of the artworks you plan to auction were created using AI models that are known to be trained on copyrighted work without a license. These models, and the companies behind them, exploit human artists, using their work without permission or payment to build commercial AI products that compete with them.

Your support of these models, and the people who use them, rewards and further incentivizes AI companies’ mass theft of human artists’ work.

We ask that, if you have any respect for human artists, you cancel the auction.

Yours sincerely,

The undersigned artists

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Reposted by Xi Chen the Illustrator

Gael_Me ☆ Illustrator @gaelme.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Hello! Happy #KidLitArtPostcard day ✨️ I'm Ada, a Filipino illustrator looking and available for MG or YA work. 🎨: adaabigael.weebly.com

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Happy #kidlitartpostcard day! I'm a Chinese Illustrator in US, focus on #kidlit illustration and character design. Former game artist for 8 years. I love magical and whimsical things! Seeking representation. 🎨 www.behance.net/xichenillust ✉️ xichenillust@gmail.com #KidLitArt #illustration #fantasy

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anoosha syed ✏️ @anooshasyed.com · 04/02/2025

Thinking about illustrating children’s books but not sure where to start? Here are 6 ways to work as a children’s illustrator ✏️📚 #kidlit Thread:

6 Ways to Work as a Children’s Illustrator
(Not all children’s book illustration jobs are the same! Here are the main categories in publishing and how they differ.)

By Anoosha Syed

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

I think I just got an art scam email from someone who grabbed my email from BlueSky. Should I be happy that someone noticed me XDDD.

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Style study, 3H painting. Note, this is not a draft but a final finished piece for #kidlit Is this style appropriate for #picturebook? Do you think it look unprofessional or unfinished? Thx! #kidlitart #illustration

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

I'm finally done with this one. Gonna work on its B&W inner illustration and spot art next. I planed this project to be a #YAFantasy cover but found out that those novel art was not what I imagined XD. So I'll just put it as #kidlitart . #kidlit #Fantasy #CoverArt

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Kind #kidlit and #kidlitart community, do you know any free or paid mentorship program that offers manuscript, query letter, dummy, portfolio critique for PB, MG and YA novels? I know The Illustration Department and 12X12. I lean towards illustrator but also looking for writing improvement. Thx!

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

Booked a portfolio review this Friday, exited! Got to put new pieces in so it won't seem too sparce. Working on this render. I did receive feedback before that my detailed render wasn't necessary since my line drawing held enough info already. Is my render redundant? Your thoughts? #kidlitart

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

Still left some rendering to do. Next is to draw couple B&W illustrations like YA/ MG novels would have. I redesigned the characters and find out they look more lively when I focus on design instead of drawing them directly in a illustration. Design phase is seriously necessary. #kidlitart #kidlit

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

A self-publishing author suggests in her YouTube video, when looking for illustrators, ask for full-license contract with $50 per page, and even they turn in exactly what's in your mind, ask them to do revisions. I'm curious, do authors actually know how much worth of an illustrator's work? #kidlit

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

I forward this to my thread just to remind me the name of the book and the artist who worked on it. I always have trouble remembering names.

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Xi Chen the Illustrator @xichenillust.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

WIP for next portfolio piece. I'm actually uncomfortable to show WIPs, especially when I know something is obviously not quite right yet. Characters' lighting color needs some work, other than that, anything else bothers you? Critique welcome! #kidlitart

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anoosha syed ✏️ @anooshasyed.com · 15/01/2025

If you’re curious about the details—like my expenses, planning mat leave, navigating freelancing with big life changes, or tackling the challenges in the arts industry—I’ve shared a full breakdown on my Substack. open.substack.com/pub/anooshas...

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Kathy Webb @kathyjwebb.bsky.social · 14/01/2025

I’m so exciting to be launching a new course for anyone interested in writing young fiction for 5-9s. Please share and visit the following link for more details: kathywebbeditorial.com/writing-cour...

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