XINWAY

A trip down memory lane.

Client

PERSONAL PROJECT

Year

2024

Overview

Xinway (新, pronounced "sheen") means "new"—a new way, a new journey. This project centers on a character designed to explore personal memories through sequential illustration series. The character is a version of myself, traveling through romanticized fragments of the past. Each series dives into a different memory, with color palettes shifting to reflect different life stages (childhood, teen years, and adulthood). Each series reveals a new layer, showing how every person is made up of countless moments in time.

Process

The Challenge

Creating a character with a distinct visual identity that could remain recognizable across various angles, perspectives, and life stages while still feeling personal and alive. I needed to design a flexible system where the character's core features stayed consistent, but color and mood could capture different chapters of life. Also, translating personal memories into immersive illustrations that felt romanticized rather than literal required lots of iterating.

The Solution

I started by researching artwork and pulling specific characteristics I loved. Then built a detailed character sheet with consistent features. Series 01 introduced the character through minimal compositions focusing purely on her design from different angles. Series 02 /"Bok-Bok" brought childhood joy to life through six sequential illustrations, exploring memories with my backyard chickens.