heavyboots is run by me, Qin Yi, a designer, illustrator and just-trying-her-best-er. It comes from a novel where “heavy boots” meant feeling weighed down by life. I read it during a sad time, and it stuck.

I still feel it at times: tired, sometimes sad. But I also laugh more now. And eat cai png. Lift weights. Take long walks. Learn to enjoy life again, really. My work grows out of all of that.

Everything here is drawn and designed with heart and a bit of nonsense. On the days your boots feel heavy, I hope something here helps you feel seen, or lets you wear your thoughts so you don’t even have to open your mouth. And if it makes someone else smile, snort, or feel a little less alone too, then three of us will have won in life.

Thanks for being here. You’re probably doing great.