Meet freelance illustrator, gallery artist, and educator from Brooklyn, Luyi Wang.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi! My name is Luyi Wang, and I was born in a small city in northeastern China. I finished BA at Camberwell College of Art in London and MFA at Maryland Institute College of Art, respectively. Currently, I am a freelance illustrator, gallery artist, and educator based in Brooklyn. I create whimsical and childlike works spanning both narrative and commercial illustrations. I like to make collage and I love dogs!

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

Dynamic, open and creative. It is awesome to live in Brooklyn, and there are always a lot of cool shows, talks and interesting people in the city.

I create whimsical and childlike works spanning both narrative and commercial illustrations.

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

Best: There are always a lot of inspiring things going on every single day.

Worst: It is kind of pricy to live in Brooklyn, cheaper than living in the city though.

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

Hard, easy, fun

How did you start your career in art?

After years of study in illustration, I think I was ready to start my career as an illustrator. I got my first commission after I graduated from my MFA.

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

Yes, my parents encouraged me to do the things that I love to do and they’ve been always supportive of my decision to be an illustrator. My friends think it is cool to have an artist friend as well.

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

I will keep making art that makes people happy and reminds people of the beautiful things around them.

I will keep making art that makes people happy and reminds people of the beautiful things around them.

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

David Hockney.

How would you describe the women around you?

Independent, creative, inspiring

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

I cannot think of any, probably because there were not many female artists or even artists around me when I was growing up. But you have no idea how many female artists I look up to now, and they are just empowering and inspiring.

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

Not really for me. I don’t feel males have the superpower in this field.

You are not alone and don’t doubt yourself (at least not too much).

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

You are not alone and don’t doubt yourself (at least not too much).

Photos courtesy of Luyi Wang