Meet illustrator from Beijing, Moy Lee.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an illustrator for kids. I was born in Shandong but currently based in Beijing after I graduated from college last year. Drawing illustrations for children’s education and picture books are my daily work in the company I work at, which makes me feel limited. In my spare time, I draw different paintings about the things I’m looking forward to, just for myself.

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

It was the first time I lived in an unfamiliar city alone. Beijing is a charming city full of challenges and opportunities. Everyone here hopes to make their dreams come true and live a comfortable life. But in fact, living in Beijing alone is not as simple as people imagined. You are constantly under the pressure of work and fairly expensive rent, especially for those who are fresh in the industry. However, I still feel lucky that I can handle most of the troubles and do what I love in Beijing.

Beijing is a charming city full of challenges and opportunities.

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

The best thing for me is that there are many art exhibitions held in Beijing. The worst thing is the expensive cost of living.

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

Competitive, busy, stressful.

How did you start your career in art?

I have loved drawing and dreamed to be an artist since I was a little kid. But I didn’t major in art in college. After the first term of college, I realized that drawing was the only thing I really wanted to do. In the last three years of college, I learned drawing without any professional training, just by myself. It was a hard and confusing time. Fortunately, I found a job as an illustrator after graduation.

I learned drawing without any professional training, just by myself. It was a hard and confusing time. Fortunately, I found a job as an illustrator after graduation.

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

My parents didn’t support me in the past. In their traditional opinions, to be a teacher or civil servant is the best choice for girls to live a comfortable life. But now they are open-minded.

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

Currently, looking for a new style confused me a lot. I hope to draw my childhood in a different style. Being a freelancer, publishing books, and having my own studio in the next 3-5 years are also my goals. It’s really a long way to go.

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

I’d like to collaborate with children who are the most creative artists in the world.

I’d like to collaborate with children who are the most creative artists in the world.

How would you describe the women around you?

Friendly, independent, and positive.

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

There was none. In my hometown, the art wasn’t to be valued when I was growing up. The female creatives that influenced me a lot mostly come from other countries.

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

The only challenge is health. As an illustrator, sitting in front of the computer all day makes me more and more tired. I need to take some times to exercise.

Believe in yourself and just do what you like.

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

Believe in yourself and just do what you like. Practice forever and draw with love. Keep thinking and learning.

Photos courtesy of Moy Lee.