Meet NYC-based graphic designer, illustrator, and painter, Jiayue Li.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a graphic designer who loves illustration and painting. Moved to New York from Shanghai 2 years ago for graduate school, I got my MFA in Design at the School of Visual Arts this year.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

I have been living in New York for 2 years. To me, New York is always busy and full of wonders. With the fast life pace, there’s no chance you can get bored. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. However, when I get out of New York, I start to miss the pace right away!

I’m a graphic designer who loves illustration and painting.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The best thing is the creative community and cultural events happening all the time. 

The worst thing is all sorts of alarm sounds on the street.

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Inspiring, adventurous, encouraging

How did you start your career in art?

I’ve been drawing since childhood. My parents sent me to art school on weekends and I learned various drawing techniques, such as watercolor, pencil sketch and oil painting. Since I wanted to try something new that I can use my creativity I studied graphic design in undergrad.

I’ve been drawing since childhood.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

Yes! My family gave me full support. Studying art is viewed as “not the right profession” by most people around me. However, my parents encouraged me to do things where my passion lies. I’m grateful that I got the chance to pursue art and design as my career.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

I hope to get more commissions as an independent illustrator and create artwork for editorial. And, I want to have a solo exhibition one day.

I hope to get more commissions as an independent illustrator and create artwork for editorial. And, I want to have a solo exhibition one day.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

There are so many, I’d love to collaborate with Victo Ngai, Lisk Feng, Gizem Vural, Olimpia Zagnoli, Ruohan Wang…

How would you describe the women around you?

Women around me are independent, assertive and passionate. 

Women around me are independent, assertive and passionate. 

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

Yes. When I was young, I admired my art school teacher the most. She’s a self-taught artist. I started to learn from her since I was 6. Because of her enthusiasm for art and teaching, I made up my mind to become a designer and illustrator.

Are there any challenging aspects of being a female in your industry?

Working in New York makes me realize how many talented female designers and artists are out there. To have your voice and recognition in the field is quite a challenge but also a motivation that pushes me to work harder.

Be patient and hard-working. Good works come with a lot of sweat.

Do you have any advice to young women who are aspiring to work in your field?

Photos courtesy of Jiayue Li.