My name is Yichang Zhao; I previously majored in pattern design and have now finished studying illustration. My primary creative focus is on combining the fields of pattern design and illustration to create patterns with narrative qualities, or illustrations with decorative elements.

The works in this portfolio are a series created in unit two and three, which depict the decorative styles of six different cultures. I began by examining individual cultural elements to gain an understanding of each cultural style, then combined these decorative motifs to tell the stories of different characters from these six cultures.

As a student who previously studied pattern design and is now specialising in illustration, I hope to combine these two fields in both my creative practice and future career. My ideal career path includes areas such as textile pattern design, packaging design, vintage fashion print design and the design of stationery products, including notebook covers, stickers, bookmarks and other illustrated merchandise.

My career plan is to first join a company to gain practical industry experience and develop a deeper understanding of the workflow, commercial requirements and market expectations of professional illustration. At the same time, I intend to build a freelance practice by accepting private commissions, designing and selling my own products through an online shop, and participating in local art markets and exhibitions, which require actively managing my social media platforms to showcase my work, expand my audience and establish my personal brand.

After gaining sufficient professional experience, financial stability and a solid client base, I hope to transition from part-time freelance work to full-time independent practice and ultimately become a professional freelance illustrator.