American Illustration Award Winner Explains Her Creation Process
In art and design, the role of an illustrator is pivotal in bringing stories and concepts to life. Shishuang Tu, illustrator and concept artist, has recently been honored with the prestigious American Illustration Award for her work called “Pressure”. The American Illustration Award is one of the most coveted achievements in the field. It celebrates the best in contemporary illustration. Each year, a panel of esteemed judges selects winners based on their creativity, technical proficiency, and overall impact. The award is meant to honor teams of illustrators who push the boundaries of the medium, especially those who offer fresh perspectives and techniques.
Photo Credits: Shishuang Tu
The Role of an Illustrator
Illustrators are the unsung heroes of the visual arts, tasked with transforming abstract ideas into tangible images that speak to audiences. Their work spans a variety of mediums, from traditional ink and watercolor to modern digital tools. Illustrators are often commissioned to produce artwork for books, magazines, advertisements, and even video games—with each project requiring a blend of creativity and technical skill. “To be successful, an illustrator has to be skilled at drawing, painting, and using digital software. I myself use Adobe Photoshop and Procreate extensively in my freelance work,” says Tu. The job demands artistic talent and the ability to work under pressure, even with tight deadlines. Using the wrong color palette or failing to align with the pre-agreed conceptual design can create a jarring effect and ruin the viewer’s immersion. Illustrators must communicate effectively with clients and team members, ensuring the final product aligns with the project’s vision and overall aesthetic.
Photo Credits: Shishuang Tu
The Road to Shishuang Tu Receiving the Award
Tu credits her recent accolade from the American Illustration Award to her unique art style, which mixes traditional and digital techniques. This style developed gradually, beginning with her early education at the Sichuan Fine Art Institute and her masters at Savannah College of Art and Design. This unique blend of art styles matured to its current form during her subsequent decade-long tenure as a designer and illustrator. From her early work at Wuhan Master Exhibitions, to her book illustrations at Deep Center Savannah, and then as a concept artist for Floyd County Productions, Tu’s style is unmistakable in its trajectory forwards. “Receiving the American Illustration Award is an incredible honor. I never could have done it without my family and my friends’ support,” Tu reflects.
Photo Credits: Shishuang Tu
More than Beauty
Apart from her crowning work, Tu’s award-winning art includes a series of ink illustrations that showcase her versatility and technical prowess. From intricate book covers at Deep Center Savannah to immersive environment designs for animation like FX’s Archer, her portfolio is bursting with diverse forms of illustrative media. “Illustration is more than just creating beautiful images,” Tu says. “It’s about connecting with the audience on an emotional level and conveying a message or story in a way that resonates with them.” Other prominent works of art Tu has contributed include her victory of a Coca-Cola design competition in 2015, her creation of background concepts for “Marvel’s Hit Monkey S2” and environment paints for Netflix film “America the Motion Pictures.”
Photo Credits: Shishuang Tu
The Beginning of Tu’s Award-Winning Creative Process
Tu’s illustrations often draw inspiration from fantasy narratives, travel experiences, and a wide range of emotions, especially for book cover illustrations she is contracted to produce. “I enjoy using line work to refine shapes. From there, I use simple line frames with foreground elements to enhance layering. Subtle shapes help create a mysterious atmosphere, adding depth and intrigue to the piece,” Tu says. She begins by gathering ideas and creating a mood board, which helps her visualize the overall theme and direction of the project. This stage involves extensive research, where she collects reference images and explores different artistic styles.
Photo Credits: Shishuang Tu
From Vision to Reality
Once she has a clear vision, Tu moves on to sketching. She often uses traditional mediums like ink or watercolor to create rough drafts. This allows her to experiment with different compositions and refine her ideas. “There’s something different about actually physically creating your art. It’s something digital tablets just don’t give you,” she explains. After finalizing the initial sketches, Tu transitions to digital tools, her favorites being Photoshop and Procreate. She scans her traditional sketches and adds color, texture, and intricate details. This stage involves multiple layers, where she meticulously builds up the artwork to achieve the desired effect. “When you use both digital and old-school styles, you get the best of both worlds. I get that little creative boost from a pen-and-paper and all the convenience of Procreate’s brushes,” says Tu.
The Final Stage
The final stage of Tu’s creative process involves refining the digital artwork, which requires multiple revisions. She pays close attention to details, ensuring that every element aligns with the project’s vision. Depending on the client or the art director’s feedback, this stage can often stretch for hours, just for a single illustration. “The details are what make art—well, art. As an illustrator, you must expect a lot of back-and-forth from your client,” Tu states. Through her novel techniques and compelling narratives, Shishuang Tu captivates audiences and inspires fellow artists to explore their own personal styles. Having already built a sizable portfolio of freelance and in-house work, Tu’s award-winning accomplishments inspire illustrators who are just beginning to carve their names.
