Hoiyan Ng is a New York City-based illustrator and graduate of the School of Visual Arts.

For her Zócalo Sketchbook, Ng takes us below the waves to experience her near-hallucinatory ocean dwellers. “The inspiration for this series of cartilaginous animal illustrations stems from the intricate textures, fluid forms, and delicate details of creatures like snails, octopuses, and jellyfish,” she tells Zócalo. “Their graceful yet powerful presence in the underwater world presents a captivating blend of mystery and beauty, ideal for exploring in a minimalist, illustrative style. “

Ng’s illustrations combine stylized line art with gently surreal color choices to create an illusion of detail and specificity in our minds—by showing us less, Ng makes us see more.