Hi, I’m Xue Yang, also known as Shway. I’m an illustrator originally from China and currently based in London. I began drawing during the lockdown, which gradually led me to leave my 9–5 job and study Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art.

My practice is rooted in observation and everyday life. I’m constantly sketching what I see around me, such as my dog, people on public transport, conversations in cafes, and quiet moments at home. These observations often become the starting point for my illustrations.

Alongside this, I draw on childhood memories of growing up in China to explore themes of cultural identity and belonging. I’m interested in telling stories that feel honest, playful, and emotionally grounded, often balancing quiet moments with humour and imagination.

I mainly work with drawing and printmaking, and I enjoy the hands-on process, the unexpected results, and the sense of making that comes with it. Outside of illustration, I also love sewing and baking, and I’m drawn to the process of creating something from scratch — a feeling that strongly influences how I approach my work.