Replete with texture and emotive lines and metaphors, the illustrations of London-based Sunnu Rebecca Choi present a style that emerged from self-exploration. “When creating illustrations, I connect with myself and my emotions,” she explains. “Illustration has become my primary tool to communicate my thoughts and emotions.” Having initially studied fashion design at Parsons in New York, she went on to obtain her MA in illustration at Kingston University, London, after working as a fashion designer in New York and Toronto for ten years. “I started drawing and painting as a hobby to reconnect with myself and my passion, making one painting a day and posting it on social media,” Choi says. “This led me to sign a contract with a published to work on my first book and eventually to quit my fashion design job and become an illustrator.” Printmaking has also become a huge part of her practice after she took a traditional printmaking workshop for fun. “During the workshop, I met an old woman at the studio who was dedicated to printmaking after she retired as a flight attendant,” Choi recalls. “Her passion and beautiful work greatly inspired me.” Beyond exploring different media and techniques, Choi often finds inspiration in her own life and the stories of others, explaining that the discrimination she’s experienced living in different countries, her divorce and subjects on mental health have been enduring subjects in her work and influences on her style. “My vulnerability became a powerful tool to communicate with others through illustration,” she says, “[and] to help people going through similar situations by sharing my story. I aim to create art that’s inclusive—by connecting with and listening to others—brings empathy, helps people connect with their inner selves and surroundings, and creates a better society for everyone.”