Today we’d like to introduce you to Xiaojie Liu.
Hi Xiaojie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am an award-winning illustrator based in New York. When I was in college, I chose to major in illustration because I like literature and fine arts, and I especially like to look through illustrations in books. From then on, I hope to be as good an illustrator as the illustrators I love. After graduating from college, I began to realize that my knowledge of illustration was not enough, especially in the field of commercial illustration, so I decided to come to the United States to continue my exploration of an illustration career. After graduating from Minneapolis College of Art and Design, I felt unprecedented freedom and happiness, and I began to come into contact with the real illustration market, especially when I moved to New York, my horizons broadened a lot, and the city of New York welcomed me with the most inclusive attitude, so that I can find my value in this city.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My career path has not been smooth sailing. After graduating from school, I felt at a loss. I started writing daily emails to art directors, actively participating in exhibitions, connecting and recommending myself to various top names in the industry. But all these efforts seem to be in vain. At the same time, I kept drawing every day. The first half year after graduation was the hardest, and then I slowly started to get some opportunities. I still remember those happy moments. I am a person who believes in perseverance and does not change course after I made the decision. I want to thank myself for having this quality. Today, I can earn a good income with my own efforts. I believe that in the future I will get better and better.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an ethnic minority. Our ethnic group is called Tujia. This is one of China’s 55 ethnic minorities. The minority culture I come from has its own music, costume and language. I really enjoy creating works related to my hometown and its culture. When I was a graduate student, my graduation creation was to paint my hometown in my childhood memories, and I also painted many traditional Tujia festivals, food and landscapes. After graduating, I created a series of illustrations related to my hometown again. I have a strong sense of identity and self-confidence in my identity, and I also like the special customs of my hometown.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think in the future there will be more traditional paper media facing great challenges. People are more and more inclined to use electronic products to watch news, advertisements and articles. Now the emergence of the concept of the metaverse reflects people’s desire for virtual world exploration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xiaojieliu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xiaojie__liu/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/xiaojie__liu
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa5BosmJE_5VgqYyIW9LSnA/featured
Image Credits
Xiaojie Liu
