Illustrator & AUTHOR

Yaya Chang is a Paris-based artist and illustrator who creates bespoke, original artwork for events, both painted live on site and designed in advance. Her specialty is hand-painted watercolor, and every piece is made by hand for the client: menus, invitations, décor, photocalls, and live portraits and sketches for guests.

Her clients include Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Moët & Chandon, and Vacheron Constantin, as well as Google, Criteo, and Palantir. Her work has appeared in The New York Review of Books and The New York Times, and in Paris she has created work for Shakespeare and Company.

SELECTED REcent PROJECTS

TIFFANY’s & Co

Tiffany & Co. selected Yaya Chang to create the visual language for their high jewelry event in Venice. Every element was an original, bespoke hand-painted watercolor, from the menus and decorations to a large-scale hand-painted photocall for guests. Yaya went onsite to paint the photocall below for the event.

Vacheron Constantin

Yaya collaborated with Vacheron Constantin on the launch of their prestigious new boutique on Place Vendôme, creating bespoke artwork that captured the essence of this iconic Parisian location. Drawing inspiration from the boutique's refined interior design and the brand's centuries-old heritage of timeless craftsmanship, I developed visual pieces that harmonized the elegance of Place Vendôme with Vacheron Constantin's distinguished aesthetic. The artwork served to enhance the boutique experience, reflecting both the grandeur of one of Paris's most prestigious addresses and the enduring sophistication that defines this legendary Swiss maison.

Cartier

Yaya’s work for Cartier has ranged from live painting performance and live portrait drawing to creating the visual identity for VIP Client Experience campaigns. Yaya's artwork for Cartier's Le Choeur des Pierres and Le Voyage Recommencé collections exemplify an extraordinary fusion of artistic finesse and a profound connection to the brand's enduring elegance. Utilizing a delicate combination of watercolors and pen, Yaya skillfully brings Cartier's rich legacy to life, in the invitations, book, illustrated maps, postcards, gala menus and boxes for special sweets --creating a visual narrative that transcends time and space. Inspired by the grotesque murals scattered throughout Florence, her work on the invitations—a 40-page carnet de voyage—beautifully captures the iconic landmarks and the spirit of the city.

Yaya seamlessly extended her artistic journey, bringing her illustrations to life at the events in Beijing. Against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Great Wall, a grand gala unfolded, featuring Yaya's painted plates and menus. Her creative touch not only adorned the event essentials but also meticulously crafted menus, showcasing her ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary flair. The Great Wall gala became a captivating canvas for Yaya's artistry, solidifying the immersive connection between Cartier and the unique cultural tapestry of Beijing, and her own being half Chinese. This commitment to detail and cultural infusion continued as Yaya ventured to Washington DC for Cartier, ensuring each occasion was a testament to the brand's timeless elegance on a global stage. As well as Venice for La Mostra.

JADE GENIN CHOCOLATE

Yaya used watercolor to illustrate the impression of the array of exotic chocolate flavors in her illustrations for avant-garde and visionary chocolate-maker Jade Genin based in Paris. Their artistic collaboration began with the creation of a custom-designed box and flavor card for Cartier together. Jade is pushing the boundaries of traditional chocolate-making through her avant-garde designs, shapes and textures.

NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS

Title: "Corona Maman" - A Personal Account of Childbirth Amidst COVID-19

In the New York Review of Books, Yaya shares a poignant and gripping narrative detailing her experience giving birth to her first child as the first COVID-positive mother in her Paris clinic. Through both writing and illustrations, Yaya vividly captures the fear, uncertainty, and emotional breakdown she faced during this unique and challenging ordeal. Her account portrays the painful and frightening aspects of childbirth amidst the backdrop of the global pandemic, providing readers with a deeply personal and harrowing perspective on navigating motherhood in the midst of COVID-19.

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