It\u2019s difficult not to notice Hui Luo\u2019s work at a design show. Her illustrations are imbued with a vividness that\u2019s hard to look away from. Made up of cartoon characters (bears and foxes, for example), Luo reimagines certain tropes of children\u2019s books in a way that\u2019s distinct and uniquely her own style.<\/p>\n
Bright colour palettes are used \u2013 from scarlet reds to near-neon yellows \u2013 and the intensity is combined with a style of hand-drawn lines that appear as though they were drawn in a hurried, rushed manner. Perfection and colouring between the lines is not Luo\u2019s style, which contributes to the appearance of her 2D characters being on the move. Such is the case for her graduate project Rollin\u2019 On. It\u2019s not hard to imagine her bright yellow bears coming alive as 3D motion art; the energy and scribbled style of their lines and colouring creating a sense of movement, the characters filled with effervescence.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s through the comfort of childhood imagery that Luo navigates the complexities of difficult topics in life. The dialogue between her characters is both sincere and innocent; they talk about dreams, feelings of loneliness and homesickness. \u201cI\u2019ve always loved drawing naturally,\u201d she tells Creative Review. \u201cAs for design, maybe it\u2019s because I have so many questions and sadness about this world. I want to create my own language, and picture books help me make heavy subjects more approachable \u2013 even humorous.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m particularly good at children\u2019s book creation,\u201d she explains, \u201cespecially using picture books to tackle sensitive, complex topics about growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rollin\u2019 On addresses this specific period of change and turbulence with lightness and optimism. \u201cIt\u2019s a coming-of-age story about a dog,\u201d she elaborates. \u201cThe audience is basically all humans. It comes from my own experiences growing up: relationships with parents, teenage rebellion, love and heartbreak, dreams. Most people\u2019s coming-of-age stories are similar in the end. The message is simple: no matter what, just keep rolling on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her inspirations stem from cycles of life too, specifically Simone de Beauvoir\u2019s 1946 novel All Men Are Mortal. \u201cThis has been incredibly important to me, especially in moments when I wanted to give up. It\u2019s made my experience of life much deeper,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Going to university is a coming-of-age tale in itself for those who are able to attend. The experience has allowed Luo to grow personally. \u201cI learned that no matter what, you\u2019ve got to push yourself to connect with others.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course, we\u2019re in the age of AI too \u2013 a tool that\u2019s creating upheaval across all industries, including education. Luo\u2019s outlook on AI, like her work, is rooted in optimism. \u201cI have tremendous respect for Teacher AI \u2013 I think it\u2019s nearly a miraculous invention,\u201d she says. \u201cNo matter what, I always maintain a positive attitude toward new inventions, especially since AI has helped so many people. My attitude toward AI itself is entirely positive; any negative aspects depend entirely on how humans choose to use it. Within legal and ethical boundaries, I\u2019m completely comfortable using it \u2013 in fact, I love using it!\u201d<\/p>\n
Upon graduating, the future can feel uncertain \u2013 especially with the maelstrom of changes happening around the world right now. After graduating, Luo headed to China. \u201cI don\u2019t really have a clear concept of future,\u201d she ponders. \u201cIf the future is tomorrow, I\u2019d like to find a well-paying creative job. If the future is many tomorrows, then my biggest challenge will be maintaining a positive mindset for creation. For creators, this is most crucial. Commercial value can only come from truly serious creation and authentic self-expression. I firmly believe that if I focus on doing my own work well, everything else will come naturally.\u201d<\/p>\n
The next step into this unclear future, then, is for Luo to find a creative job. Though the future seems vague, she has a clear direction \u2013 perhaps unrealised and realised simultaneously, as ambitions often are. \u201cI\u2019d love to adapt my work into film,\u201d she muses, \u201cmaybe even become a director. I hope to achieve recognition. I want my name \u2018\u7f57\u6167\u2019 to be known worldwide as a great creator.\u201d<\/p>\n