Illustrator Spotlight: Victoria Ying

© Victoria Ying

Jan. 10, 2020

We are excited to feature illustrator Victoria Ying and her recent graphic novel, DIANA: PRINCESS OF THE AMAZONS, written by Shannon and Dean Hale (DC Comics Jan. 7, 2020). Enter to win a copy!




Tell us about yourself and how you came to write and illustrate for children.

I began a love affair with comics and manga when I was in middle school. I saw the types of stories with drama and action that I craved packaged in a way that felt unique. I could go on a whole adventure that included art and stories. I started copying those drawings back then and it led me to working first as a concept artist in animation and then finally, coming full circle and drawing comics. 
© Victoria Ying

Congrats on your recent graphic novel, DIANA: PRINCESS OF THE AMAZONS, written by Shannon and Dean Hale.

Thank you! It was a real treat to get to work with Shannon and Dean, They are fantastic writers who have a real understanding of the specific medium of comics. I was so excited to learn that they were going to be doing a project for DC for younger readers. 

© Victoria Ying

Tell us about this project and how you approached the illustration.

For DPOTA, I wanted a smooth, clean look for the inks. I wanted simple drawings that read clearly but had lots of appeal. I tapped into my background in animation to find a level of stylization for the characters that would appeal to kids of all ages. 

© Victoria Ying

Was your road to publication long and winding, short and sweet, or something in between?

I began my first projects in publishing while I was still at Disney Feature animation. My first published book was the "Little Golden Book" for Tangled, a film I also worked on. After that, I began working freelance on the side as an illustrator for various picture book and middle grade projects. 

For a long time while I was working in animation, I never thought that I would be able to write. Writing felt like a big leap that I hadn't trained for and out of reach. However, after learning about the story process at Disney/Pixar, I learned that stories evolve over time, and nothing comes out perfect on the first try. This led me to try my hand at writing and my first full length graphic novel project CITY OF SECRETS, which will be released on January 28, 2020 by Penguin/Viking! 


Congratulations! What projects are you working on now?

I just turned in the final art for my book, CITY OF SECRETS, and I'm now diving into the script for the second volume, CITY OF SECRETS 2.

What advice do you have for aspiring graphic novelists and artists?

People often ask me if I think that they are "good enough," and to me, that's the wrong question. It doesn't matter if you aren't good enough right now, if you work hard enough and with a focused mind, you CAN be good enough. Every artist and writer is full of potential. Be proud of your work, but never stop growing and learning. 


© Victoria Ying




What is one thing most people don't know about you?

I love to read for pleasure. I'm obsessed with YA fantasies and Science Fiction. I would love to one day, write a prose novel. 

Where can people find you online?

My website is http://www.victoriaying.com. I can be found on Twitter and instagram  @Victoriaying.


Victoria Ying is an author and artist living in Los Angeles. She started her career in the arts by falling in love with comic books, which eventually turned into a career working in animation. She loves Japanese curry, putting things in her shopping cart online and taking them out again, and hanging out with her dopey dog. Her film credits include Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, Paperman, Big Hero 6, and Moana. She has illustrated several picture books including Not Quite Black and White; Lost and Found, What’s That Sound?; and Take a Ride By My Side, and is the writer and illustrator ofMeow! Diana, Princess of the Amazons is her debut graphic novel.

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Comments

  1. I love your illustrations--I admire how you can show so much emotion in your drawings. Congratulations on your success and best of luck with your writing dreams too.

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  2. "City Of Secrets" has a particularly good cover, I think!

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  3. Wonderful to see the ever-growing impact and success of the graphic novel!

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  4. Wow! Graphic novels are so hot right now. My granddaughter loves them! Congrats!

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  5. I love the illustrations! My students love graphic novels. Congratulations and thank you for the opportunity to win a copy! Good luck everyone.

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  6. What a great action girl book for the kids.

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