Meet New York-based illustrator, Yadi Liu

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an award-winning illustrator. I was born in China and is now based in New York City. My abstract style is characterized by curvy shapes and strong, vibrant colors. Most of my artworks are created using digital media or chalk pastel.

I graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology with a Master of Fine Arts degree in illustration. Inspired by Cubism and Expressionism, I am passionate about finding the optimum balance between illustration and Modern Art. I have won many major awards such as MoCCA Festival Silver Medal, SOLA, 3×3 Illustration, and AI-AP. My works have been frequently exhibited in many international galleries, exhibitions, festivals, and my clients include The Washington Post, VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, and more.

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

New York is a very diverse city, and you can do almost anything you want here. Everyone is so unique. People will not judge your lifestyle. What I like the most is that there are so many modern public arts around the city. You can find some new inspirations almost every time you go out. This is the most attractive part for me.

You can find some new inspirations almost every time you go out. This is the most attractive part for me.

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

The best thing is diversity. People of diverse colors and races gather here from all over the world. There are many opportunities to learn about the lifestyles of others. The worst part is that many places in New York are too old, and there are a lot of rats in the subway. I have to say this is my biggest headache.

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

Free, inspiring, casual

How did you start your career in art?

I happened to get an illustration commission from VOGUE when I was an undergraduate student. This turned out to be the starting point for me to become an illustrator.

I happened to get an illustration commission from VOGUE when I was an undergraduate student. This turned out to be the starting point for me to become an illustrator.

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

I’ve always been very lucky to have an enlightened family to support my art career. Most of my friends around are also engaged in art, so they understand the feeling and different lifestyles of being an artist so well.

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

In the future, I will continue to do illustration related work in the U.S. and focus more on new projects in advertising, branding, and murals areas.  I would explore the possibilities of using my art in different ways.

I would explore the possibilities of using my art in different ways.

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

Rihanna, because I really appreciate her sense of taste in music, art, and the products she makes. She’s a pretty cool woman and fearless in many ways. I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with her on some bold and interesting projects someday.

How would you describe the women around you?

Most of the women around me are very brave and working so hard for their own happiness and dreams.

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

Yuko Shimizu is a female artist I admire who also lives in New York. I admire her passion towards illustration and her efforts to create a serious business from arts. This is also the direction I set for myself in the future.

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

I think the biggest challenge for a female artist is the balance between family and creation.

Balancing your physical and mental health is the foundation of everything.

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

Persistence, although clichéd, is indeed the key. You may encounter some external and more often, internal doubts. Balancing your physical and mental health is the foundation of everything. There is no good vs bad style. Every kind of illustration expression has its own unique brilliance. Lastly, never be ashamed to express yourself.

Photos courtesy of Yadi Liu.