Illustrator & AUTHOR

Welcome to Yaya's creative space, where the fusion of tradition and modernity takes center stage. Yaya, an accomplished artist and illustrator, excels in seamlessly blending timeless charm with contemporary aesthetics, creating a visual narrative that transcends cultural boundaries. Recognized for her efficiency and adaptability, Yaya has garnered positive feedback from brands for her ability to work quickly and flexibly. As a skilled illustrator, Yaya invites you to explore her portfolio, showcasing a harmonious interplay between East and West, and considers every project as an opportunity to bring your ideas to vibrant life.Yaya has created content for notable publications such as The New York Review of Books and The New York Times. She has also done illustration projects for luxury houses like Cartier, Chanel and Moët & Chandon, as well as for Google. In her home in Paris, she has created for precious landmarks such as Shakespeare and Company and Honor Café. More images are available upon request.

SELECTED PROJECTS

Cartier

Yaya's illustrations for Cartier's Le Voyage Recommencé 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.

Download article here: