A Brief Look: The Digital Ink of Illustrator Cun Shi

 

There is a beautified sheen to the real world in the work of illustrator Cun Shi. His world is more exciting, more alive. It contains visible magic. Shi’s work for The New Yorker, GQ, The New Republic, and other editorial outlets showcase his ability at concise visual storytelling. His drawings mimic the narrative of the articles they accompany in a perfect display of show and tell.

Shi’s compositions are full, filling the limited space allowed by the confined page space of a magazine. His work is vibrant and swirling — each design taut with controlled idea, line work, and movement. While adhering to the restrictions of advertising work, Shi’s illustrations keep a loose feel, turning reality elastic — the exaggerations slight enough to be felt, not seen.