There are illustrations you look at—and those you feel.
Lena Yokoyama’s work clearly belongs to the second category.
The Japanese-Austrian illustrator, who now lives in London, uses her images to explore precisely where words reach their limits. And perhaps that is her greatest talent: making visible what cannot be easily put into words.
We at ILLUS are thrilled to have secured the internationally successful artist with roots in Vorarlberg for our team.
Illustration as a language between languages
Growing up between cultures, shaped by language, translation, and shifts in perspective, Lena realized early on that communication doesn’t always work through words.
Her response: illustration as a universal language.
In her ongoing project Visual Translations, she consistently explores this idea. Together with her father—a translator—she focuses on words that cannot be translated one-to-one. Terms deeply rooted in a culture. Feelings hidden between the lines.
Lena translates them—not into another language, but into images.
The result is work that feels like visual trains of thought: multi-layered, poetic, open to interpretation. It is a process that is more reminiscent of a quiet conversation than a clear statement.
Wobbly lines, strong stance
What makes her work instantly recognizable is her signature style: lively lines, bold compositions, and a keen sense of color and texture.
Lena often works with ink on paper, combining analog techniques with digital processes and conceiving her illustrations in layers.
It is precisely this limitation that becomes her strength:
overlays, grain, and small irregularities lend her works a special depth and warmth.
Or, as she herself embodies it: perfection is not the goal.
Beauty in Imperfection
A central theme in Lena’s work is the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi—the idea of recognizing beauty in the incomplete, the transient, and the imperfect.
And that is exactly what you feel in her illustrations.
They are not smooth.
Not perfect.
And that is precisely why they are so relatable.
Lena sees this attitude not only as an aesthetic principle, but as an invitation:
To embrace imperfection—in art and in life.
Because when we stop feeling the need to be perfect, space is created. For expression. For personality. For genuine connection.
From Word to Movement—and Beyond
What further distinguishes Lena’s work is her openness to constantly reinventing herself.
While she has long engaged with language and translation, she is now consistently expanding her understanding of illustration:
She draws movement. Dance. Sound.
During an artist residency in Mexico, she began observing dancers and translating movement into lines. Currently, she is even working on making music visually tangible.
For her, illustration becomes a medium that goes far beyond the visual.
Drawing as observation—and understanding
Whether in Marseille, Mexico, or London—Lena draws to understand.
Her sketchbooks are like visual diaries:
snapshots of places, people, and atmospheres.
When she draws, she says, she really begins to look.
To notice details.
To capture the essence of a moment.
This observation flows back into her commissioned work—and brings it to life.
Part of a strong community
In addition to her individual style, Lena is also part of a vibrant, international illustration scene. She works for renowned clients such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and cultural institutions—while always staying true to her own artistic voice.
What she particularly emphasizes: the importance of community.
Exchange, mutual inspiration, and collectively pushing the boundaries of illustration.
Especially in times of AI and digital upheaval, one thing becomes clear to her:
The human touch—with all its little imperfections—is irreplaceable.
We at ILLUS say: Welcome, Lena!
We are all the more delighted that we were able to bring Lena Yokoyama on board at ILLUS.
Her work embodies exactly what illustration means to us:
Curiosity. Openness. Attitude. And the ability to touch people.
She brings not only an exceptional artistic caliber but also a perspective that enriches our community.
We are very much looking forward to everything that lies ahead.
