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Lily Qian

Lily Qian

Meet illustrator and designer from Brooklyn, Lily Qian

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Lily Qian. I am an illustrator and designer based in Brooklyn, NY. Illustration is a self-initiated second career. Prior to working as a freelance illustrator, I worked as a womenswear fashion designer for corporate brands. My background in design allowed me to bringing in more experience with branding, marketing, graphics, and production knowledge to each assignment. Although I’ve worked in fashion for 15 years, my next goal is to write and illustrate children’s books. I currently work from my home studio with my lazy cat assistant, Walnut.

 

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

Brooklyn became my home in 2005. This is the city where I made lifetime friends. It continues to challenge me and comfort me. Summer in New York is absolutely the best. Park picnics, outdoor movies, tacos, and beaches. In the fall-winter, I love going to museums and long walks in the city. Currently, I miss taking the subway, there’s never a dull moment in the city. New Yorkers are real, kind, and tough at the same time. Things are not ideal this year, but I still love my city.

 

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

As a first-generation Chinese-American immigrant, I feel safe and equal in NYC. I find comfort in surrounded by good-hearted New Yorkers who believe in equal rights for all. New York celebrates the mind. The downside of this great city is cost and space. It’s fast-paced, competitive, so you better hustle. It’s tough living here, you have to be willing to make sacrifices. However, it’s just as rewarding when you find community and passion.

 

As a first-generation Chinese-American immigrant, I feel safe and equal in NYC. I find comfort in surrounded by good-hearted New Yorkers who believe in equal rights for all.

 

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

Being a creative professional in NYC is spontaneous, fast-paced, and humbling.

 

How did you start your career in art?

I always loved school. I majored in fashion design at VCU in Richmond, Virginia. VCU had a well-rounded art foundation program which allowed me to explore not only drawing & design, but also a variety of courses in other areas of studies in humanities, science, and literature. Post-graduation, I worked in NYC as a womenswear designer in apparel, textiles, and graphics. After many years of working in fashion design, I wanted to explore other creative career options that allow me more creativity and freedom. I began drawing again after a long hiatus. Once I had a portfolio ready, clients began to contact me for assignments. I had a lot of doubts in the beginning, but now I’m thankful I gave myself the opportunity to pursue what I really love in this lifetime.

 

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

I was fortunate to have a bohemian childhood. My parents were artists so I was encouraged to draw, read, and take dance lessons as a child. I always knew I would work in the creative industry. I was drawn to commercial art and children’s book illustration because it’s not a selfish endeavor, but for everyone.

 

I was drawn to commercial art and children’s book illustration because it’s not a selfish endeavor, but for everyone.

 

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

I am striving to be a better visual storyteller. I would like to work on books for both children and adults. When I’m not working on assignments, I am writing and drawing my own stories. You can find me at the local Brooklyn library with a pile of children’s books.

 

I am striving to be a better visual storyteller.

 

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

I’ve always admired female writers and filmmakers. It would be a dream to work with Lulu Wang, Sofia Coppola, Miranda July, Julie Deply, Patty Jenkins, and many more.

 

How would you describe the women around you?

My closest girlfriends are kind, nurturing, and family-oriented. Those in the creative industry are open-minded and don’t conform to traditional societal expectations. Having that variety of perspectives is interesting and refreshing.

 

My closest girlfriends are kind, nurturing, and family-oriented. Those in the creative industry are open-minded and don’t conform to traditional societal expectations. Having that variety of perspectives is interesting and refreshing.

 

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

When I was growing up, I didn’t have access to the same information we have today. Although I studied art history, most artists we learned about were male. In college, I bought “Women Artists”, a book by Elke Linda Buchholz. That’s where I became more interested in female artists such as Meret Oppenheim, Helen Frankenthaler, Georgia O’Keeffe, Frida Kahlo, Jenny Holzer, and more.

 

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

Working in fashion can be challenging, there’s significant competition among women. Male designers and artists often get ahead in corporate environments. Unfortunately, there you can be judged based on your image and taste, not just your work. I would urge aspiring fashion illustrators to also explore the broader field of illustration, so as not to limit their opportunities and growth as an artist.

 

Create work with dedication and integrity.

 

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

My advice for women who are interested in illustration is to choose your career for the right reasons. Create work with dedication and integrity. To successfully freelance, you will need quality clients, big projects, and a wide range of skills to survive. Self-initiate, keep improving, and evolving. If you need structure, then a corporate design job may be better suited for you. Whatever your interest is, don’t be afraid to explore that in your own work. You never know, doing what you do best will lead you down a path towards self-confidence, financial independence, and happiness.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Lily Qian

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