'Night Tale' by Wenxu Zhao: Innovation in Illustration

Night Tale

Illustration for Wenxu Zhao

This illustration series invites viewers on a whimsical summer night journey, seamlessly blending fairy tales and inner monologues. At its heart is the Strawberry Fish Girl, a spiritual reflection of the artist and an invitation for viewers to explore unbounded realms of imagination. Throughout her nocturnal adventure, encounters with animals become vivid metaphors: a tiger symbolizes vibrant pursuit, While a peacock with stardust eyes captures the enduring glow of hope. These motifs are not static symbols but dynamic prisms, reflecting viewers' unspoken dreams.

Wenxu Zhao 2025 Professional Iron Press Kit № 167003

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Night Tale by Wenxu Zhao

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Illustration by Wenxu Zhao

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Leverage the high resolution of this 1800-pixel image for detailed, vibrant prints. At 300 DPI, it's ideal for up to 6 inches; at 150 DPI, it scales beautifully to 12 inches. With press accreditation, enjoy watermark-free, high-res downloads. Low-res images are available immediately for all. Please check the Image Credits Section for photo acknowledgements.

Wenxu Zhao Night Tale

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Leverage the high resolution of this 1800-pixel image for detailed, vibrant prints. At 300 DPI, it's ideal for up to 6 inches; at 150 DPI, it scales beautifully to 12 inches. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. For photo credit information, refer to the Image Credits Section.

Wenxu Zhao Illustration

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Leverage the high resolution of this 1800-pixel image for detailed, vibrant prints. At 300 DPI, it's ideal for up to 6 inches; at 150 DPI, it scales beautifully to 12 inches. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. Image attributions can be found in the Image Credits Section.

Unique Properties

The work is an illustrated series depicting the whimsical journey of Strawberry Fish Girl on a summer night. Blending fantasy and surrealism, it invites viewers into a world where imagination flows freely. Each detail whispers fragments of an open ended tale.

Production Technology

The illustrations are digitally created using Photoshop and other graphic design software, allowing for high resolution detail and intricate artistry. The original works are large scale, designed to showcase a rich tapestry of fine details when viewed up close or projected onto expansive surfaces.

Design Challenge

The challenge is to artfully integrate childlike innocence, fantasy, and mystery into illustrations rich with intricate details, while maintaining a sense of visual unity and storytelling coherence.

Project Duration

The work was originally created in 2022, New York City, USA, and revised in 2024, New Jersey, USA.

Operation Flow

The illustrations can be showcased as traditional artworks in an exhibition, projected onto large outdoor screens on summer nights, or enveloping all four walls of an expansive indoor space, creating an immersive, dreamlike experience where the audience can step directly into the enchanting world of the paintings.

Research

This project began with the creation of the Strawberry Fish Girl, a whimsical character embodying innocence, mystery, and fantasy. Building upon her image, a series of illustrations were developed, exploring her actions, surroundings, and interactions with her dreamlike environment. Through an introspective creative process, I crafted a narrative that serves as an honest reflection of their inner world, weaving together a story filled with childlike wonder and gentle mystery. Each illustration carefully incorporates floral elements, plants, and animals, meticulously designed to contribute to the immersive dreamscape. Using digital tools such as Photoshop, the work balances intricate details and visual unity, resulting in a collection that is both technically refined and emotionally resonant. Whether presented as traditional prints, large scale projections, or immersive installations, the series invites viewers to step into a delicate, otherworldly world shaped by imagination and introspection.

Inspiration

This illustration series draws inspiration from my self reflection and dreams. I’ve visualized my self ego through a mystical, dreamlike world, where the interaction between the Strawberry Fish Girl and large animals becomes a metaphor for my inner landscape. Each animal symbolizes a part of me, my goals, my ideas, and my curiosity, weaving together a tale that bridges imagination and introspection.

Project Overview

Night Tale Illustration has been a Iron winner in the Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Wenxu Zhao.

Iron Recognition

Wenxu Zhao was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Night Tale Illustration.

Wenxu Zhao Newsroom

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