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Approach:


  • What’s your process?

When it comes to commission projects, I use a combination of analogue and digital process– Drawing on paper, scan, edit on ipad. I also work pure digitally. I create complex, abundant images or simple spots that uses clean visual metaphors. Researching and ideation is a big part of my work, especially when the subject gets technical.

  • Time?

Depending on the complexity and requirements, the turnaround can be days to weeks!

  • Type of Projects?

Editorial and book publishing, advertising and visual identity, promotional and institutional projects... My first commissions are posters! There’s really no limit as long as there’s a vision.





Here’s an example of my process illustrating for Science Magazine commission, summer book roundup spread (2025):



After given the prompt and requirements, I make sketches with labels and/or explanatory text. The sketches are digital for easy changes. I present the ideas, and we figure out which to go forward.


I provide a color palette for the chosen sketch, and proceed to analogue process (pencil on paper). Depending on the case, I would spend more or less time on paper— this forms the basis of human touch in my works!

I scan in the drawing, digitally fix for touch-ups or coloring. Sometimes, I draw in just monochrome and color everything digitally. It is a flexible process and is great for limited palette illustrations!







Say hello or reach out about projects via email: adazejunshen@gmail.com



Ada Zejun Shen
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