“Every art piece I’ve worked on is meaningful to me at different stages. I can see my growth from the very beginning to where I am now.” — Aderline Xinhui
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Aderline Xinhui, a cheerful and heartfelt illustrator from Pahang, Malaysia, whose artwork is infused with colour, warmth, and a deep love for nature. Her journey is one that many budding artists can relate to—rooted in family, shaped by nostalgia, and powered by community.
A Childhood Brushed with Creativity
Aderline’s earliest memories of art are tied to home—her mom guiding her through drawings and school projects, and her dad gifting beautifully illustrated books and cute Sanrio stationery.
“My mom would draw for me and always guided me with my art homework. As for my dad, he often bought us storybooks with fascinating illustrations and cute merchandise.”
Growing up in such a nurturing environment, it’s no surprise that she and her siblings developed a deep love for all things artistic.
Drawing Inspiration from Disney, Nature & Nostalgia
Deeply influenced by Cartoon Network, Disney, and especially legendary concept artist Mary Blair (Cinderella), Aderline’s use of colour and emotion in her work stands out.
“Mary Blair inspired the way I use colours in my work.”
But it’s not just fantasy and animation that feed her imagination. Her time spent living in Cameron Highlands sparked an entire series of artwork celebrating the lush beauty of the region.
“Everything I’ve experienced and absorbed has shaped the way I create my work today.”
From Digital to Traditional
While she started out in digital art, Aderline recently returned to traditional mediums like watercolour, acrylic, and coloured pencils.
“I really like the textures they create. Traditional media makes the artwork feel more interesting and alive.”
Her work is often described in three words: cute, bright, and cheerful. But underneath the surface lies a unique emotional core that makes each piece distinct.
“Even if the styles look similar, the vibe and meaning can be very different.”
Malaysian Roots in Every Stroke
Nature plays a big role in her creative process. Whether it’s tropical wildlife or lush Malaysian scenery, these elements often take centre stage.
“A lot of my inspiration comes from Malaysia’s natural scenery and wildlife.”
Her ongoing series The Berry Valley features charming characters like a sun bear, a cat, and a rabbit—all inspired by native fauna.
Facing Creative Challenges
Like many creatives, Aderline struggles with inspiration blocks. But instead of forcing creativity, she embraces the pause.
“When that happens, I usually go out for a walk or flip through my journal. Sometimes I look for new inspiration outside, and other times I revisit old memories.”
She credits her growth to the support she’s found in the community of fellow artists and fans.
“The most rewarding part is meeting lots of new friends who enjoy my work and connecting with other artists.”
Looking Ahead
The future is bright for Aderline. She’s currently working on a new story and aims to join an illustration fair in China. Long-term, she dreams of expanding The Berry Valley into something even bigger—possibly through zines, picture books, and immersive storytelling.
“I hope to explore more traditional mediums and maybe work on projects that involve storytelling, like picture books or zines.”
Advice for Aspiring Artists
To those just starting their creative path, Aderline’s advice is heartfelt and honest:
“Don’t give up and just do it. Your style will slowly show itself as you make more and more art.”
And when it comes to community and networking?
“There’s no harm in making more friends in the art community. Some artists are even willing to share their suppliers with others, which can be really helpful.”
Connect with Aderline and follow her illustration journey on her Instagram!