Life & Work with Amanda (Mengda) Li of Savannah

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda (Mengda) Li.

Hi Amanda (Mengda), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up with a deep love for drawing, but I never imagined it would become a real career path for me. For a long time, art was simply something I did quietly on the side — a way to process my emotions and understand the world. I actually started my journey in art back in China, where I studied fine art and digital media art during my bachelor’s degree. At that time, I wasn’t focused on illustration yet — I was exploring many different forms of art, learning the fundamentals, and trying to understand what kind of work truly resonated with me. It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. for school that I started taking illustration and design seriously. Being in a new environment pushed me to redefine who I was and what I wanted to do.

Over the past few years, I’ve steadily built my skills through school projects, freelance work, and personal pieces that reflect my own experiences and inner world. Nothing happened overnight — it was really a collection of small steps, moments of doubt, and quiet persistence. Today, I’m continuing to develop my practice as a designer and illustrator, focusing on storytelling and creating work that feels personal, calming, and emotionally honest. I’m still growing, but I feel I’m finally on a path that feels true to myself.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. For me, the biggest challenge has always been deciding whether I truly wanted to commit to the path of art and design. It’s a field that can feel very niche, unpredictable, and highly competitive, and choosing it means accepting that it may not lead to instant stability or a luxurious life.

There were many moments when I questioned whether I should take a more conventional or “safer” path. But over time, I realized that creating art — whether through illustration, fine art, or design — is the only thing that feels genuine to me. The uncertainty is still there, but learning to trust my own direction and keep moving forward has been one of the hardest and most meaningful parts of the journey.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work sits somewhere between illustration and graphic design. I create works that are quiet, emotional, and introspective — often inspired by small moments, personal memories, or the subtle feelings that people usually hide or overlook. I’m drawn to a soft, calm visual language, and I think that has naturally become what I’m most recognized for.

Because I studied fine art and digital media art in China before focusing on illustration and design in the U.S., my style blends different influences. I care about composition, atmosphere, and storytelling, but I also pay attention to graphic structure and clarity. My work often leans toward minimalism, not because I aim for simplicity, but because I like the idea that a single image can quietly hold a lot of emotion.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve stayed true to myself. I’ve never tried to chase trends or force myself into a style just to fit in. Instead, I’ve let my work grow naturally alongside my own life experiences — even the difficult ones. Over the years, I’ve learned to create from a place of honesty, sensitivity, and independence, and I think that’s what sets me apart. I don’t try to be loud; I focus on being genuine, and I hope people can feel that in my work.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’m currently based in Savannah, but I visit Atlanta fairly often for trips, events, and short getaways. Every time I’m there, I’m reminded of how strong and inspiring the creative energy is. Atlanta has such a vibrant arts community — full of diversity, new ideas, and people who genuinely care about expression and culture. It’s the kind of place where you can walk around for a day and come home with a completely new perspective.

One of my favorite places is the Georgia Aquarium. It’s incredibly beautiful and calming, and I often find myself sketching or finding visual inspiration there. The atmosphere, the lighting, the movement of the animals — everything feels like a living reference for illustration and design.

If I had to choose something I like least, it would probably be the traffic. Getting around can be a challenge compared to smaller cities like Savannah. But overall, Atlanta always feels exciting and creatively refreshing, and I love visiting whenever I get the chance.

Pricing:

• Illustration commission: $50-$400 (depends on theme, size and complexity)
• Graphic design commission: $50-$1000 ((depends on theme, quantity of assets and complexity)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amandawork.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuotuoarm/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-li-408983210/

Image Credits
Created by Amanda (Mengda) Li