Yao Wu's "Trip of Tea" Illustrations Win Silver A' Design Award

Reviving Historical Tea Routes Through Artistic Illustration

Yao Wu's illustrations, commissioned by the esteemed Bama Tea company, breathe new life into the ancient "Ten Thousand Miles Tea Road" and the "Maritime Silk Road". These routes, once bustling with commerce and cultural exchange, are now reimagined through Wu's artistic vision. The illustrations are a testament to the enduring legacy of these paths, with horses—integral to the company's branding—serving as the central motif and messengers along this storied journey.

The strength of Wu's work lies in the seamless integration of diverse tea cultures, encapsulated in the varying depictions of horses and saddles. Each saddle is adorned with patterns reflecting the unique characteristics of different destinations, creating a visual narrative that is both cohesive and richly detailed. The illustrations are designed to be versatile, capable of being used individually or in combination for a range of commercial applications, from postcards to posters.

Employing advanced giclee technology, the illustrations measure an impressive 3.84m by 0.76m when displayed as individual artworks. This scalability ensures that the designs can be adapted to various commercial needs, maintaining their visual impact across different mediums. The creation process involved meticulous hand-drawing on Photoshop using a tablet, allowing for precision and flexibility in the design's application.

The project, which spanned from August to December 2022, was a collaborative effort, with contributions from illustration designers Yuchen Zhang, Boxing Xie, and a team of graphic and 3D designers. Based in Beijing, the team drew upon extensive research into the tea culture of various countries, integrating these elements into a harmonious and colorful composition.

Overcoming the challenge of representing multiple tea cultures without visual clutter, Wu's team has crafted illustrations that maintain a unified aesthetic while celebrating diversity. The "Trip of Tea" serves not only as a visual feast but also as an educational journey, highlighting the global influence of Chinese tea culture.

The Silver A' Design Award is a testament to Yao Wu's exceptional talent and the team's dedication to innovation and cultural storytelling. These illustrations stand as a bridge between past and present, inviting viewers to embark on a historical journey through the art of tea.