Since Chen Baiyun had said so, Zhou Pengfei had no choice but to calm down and answer seriously.
“I think that an illustration style doesn’t necessarily have to be completely unique,” Zhou Pengfei replied. “First, you have to look at the subject matter, the content, your feelings and preferences, and then decide on a style.”
"Without a style, how can people know it's your work?" Chen Baiyun continued to ask.
"Everyone has their own preferences in drawing to some extent. Illustration is like using your own creativity to serve the client, drawing out the client's expectations and feelings... not their perspective."
Do you have practical experience?
"Practical experience?" Zhou Pengfei looked at Yang Yajing again. "Does drawing for her count?"
"Is Miss Yang your client?" Chen Baiyun asked in confusion. "Isn't she your agent?"
“You were a client before becoming an agent! You'll still be a client!” Yang Yajing said, taking the finished product out of her bag. “If you give him a commission, doesn’t that count as a client?”
"You kids are acting like pros?" Chen Baiyun took the small box and opened it.
Inside were the silk scarf from the Chinese New Year and the handkerchief from the recent wedding.
Both are red with jacquard patterns, but their colors and styles are quite different. The silk scarves combine Chinese and Western elements, exuding a fashionable vibe, while the handkerchiefs are festive and full of traditional Chinese charm.
Yang Yajing explained the client's requirements and the purpose of the two items, and then asked Zhou Pengfei to explain his design ideas and concepts.
Chen Baiyun listened without showing any emotion, observing the expressions of the two men. He could tell that Zhou Pengfei was completely relaxed while explaining his little piece.
Although these were all small-scale, low-brow works, Zhou Pengfei showed no sign of disdain. On the contrary, he even showed a hint of pride when talking about the satisfied expressions of his clients.
Illustrators are not like artists; they don't seek recognition by being arrogant, but rather by satisfying their clients.
Over the years, Chen Baiyun has seen too many artists who claim to be talented but unappreciated, and too many who comfort themselves by saying they are mediocre people who don't understand art when they are not praised.
For the first time, he saw piety in this little boy, and he saw hope for the future of illustration.
Chen Baiyun also started out as an illustrator in his youth, and he went through many detours before finally understanding this principle. But this little kid already has such an understanding; it's truly gratifying!
"So, Grandpa Chen? Do you still want to be Duke Mu of Qin?" Yang Yajing asked coquettishly when she saw Chen Baiyun deep in thought.
"You yourself said you're a talent scout, how could I give away such a fine horse for nothing?" Chen Baiyun laughed. "Whether it's a fine horse or not, we'll only know in time, but I admire your talent scout skills. I'll take your horse!"
"Yay!" Yang Yajing flashed a peace sign. "Grandpa Chen has great taste!"
"You little rascal!" Chen Baiyun was truly at a loss for words, both amused and exasperated by this thick-skinned girl.
"Accept? Grandpa Chen is going to recommend me for a spot?" Zhou Pengfei was delighted.
"Are you stupid?!" Yang Yajing shoved Zhou Pengfei. "I'm already a talent scout, and I just sold you to Grandpa Chen! Aren't you going to call me master?"
"Master?" Zhou Pengfei suddenly woke up from his half-asleep state. "Master! This student pays his respects to Master!"
Wow! Just dropping by and I've stumbled upon a renowned teacher! What a surprise! I feel like I'm floating on air!
"Hey! Zhou Pengfei! You have to start calling me senior sister now!" Chen Jiaoyun never missed an opportunity to take advantage.
"Hahahaha!" Chen Baiyun was also amused.
Having a master is only the first step.
"Zhou Pengfei, have you decided what you want to draw for the competition?"
When Chen Baiyun asked him that question, he was embarrassed again.
This competition has three themes: Nature, All Aspects of Life, and Ancient Chinese Style.
He hasn't decided yet.
"I personally prefer painting people, so I wanted to choose all aspects of life. That's all I could think of," Zhou Pengfei said, scratching his head awkwardly.
"The myriad aspects of life? That's so boring! I prefer nature!" Chen Jiaoyun interjected.
“Everyone has their own preferences.” Chen Baiyun didn’t show any bias. “You like people and you also like illustrations. Shall I recommend some books to you? How about you try drawing some illustrations?”
As he spoke, Chen Baiyun took two books off the bookshelf and handed them to Zhou Pengfei.
One is Lu Xun's "Call to Arms," and the other is Qian Zhongshu's "Fortress Besieged."
Zhou Pengfei hadn't read any of Lu Xun's works besides the few in the textbook. But Yang Yajing had!
“Drawing ‘Diary of a Madman,’ drawing ‘Diary of a Madman,’ the characters in it are so funny!” Yang Yajing said, pointing to “The Call to Arms.”
"Isn't it 'Call to Arms'? Where is 'Diary of a Madman'?" Zhou Pengfei was dumbfounded.
"Little girl, you've read Lu Xun?" This time, Chen Baiyun was surprised.
"Of course! It's my favorite!" Yang Yajing said with a smile. "The school library is free! Why not take advantage of this!"
"You little rascal!" Chen Baiyun laughed again.
While others boast about their extensive reading and exceptional talent, she insists on asking for "no money involved," making her quite a peculiar young woman.
If he said he accepted Zhou Pengfei as his apprentice because he admired Zhou Pengfei, it would be more accurate to say he admired Yang Yajing even more. He always felt that Yang Yajing possessed a maturity and experience beyond her years.
But what's in front of us is clearly just a little girl who's only ten years old!
Chen Baiyun still thought to himself: This girl is extraordinary; she will surely become an outstanding person in the future!
Chen Baiyun had no idea that Yang Yajing was a reincarnation, and therefore different from an ordinary eleven-year-old girl!
If we knew, it wouldn't be so surprising, would it?
"Miss Yang, what are your dreams when you grow up?" Chen Baiyun asked Yang Yajing.
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