Life & Work with Pingnan Lu of New York City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pingnan Lu

Hi Pingnan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always followed my heart when exploring my career path. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by comics—I would spend hours sketching characters from comic books and dreaming of one day having my own art studio where I could create freely. This passion naturally guided me into the world of art, and as I’ve gained recognition through various awards, I’m even more excited to see where this journey will take me in the future.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe the fact that I’m still exploring this path means I’ve been relatively fortunate so far. Of course, I’ve faced challenges—like creative blocks, struggles to define my artistic style, or missing opportunities due to my youth and inexperience—but these are issues almost everyone encounters at some point. What matters most is maintaining the right mindset and learning from these experiences. Each lesson helps shape a better version of myself, and I’m confident that when I face similar challenges in the future, I’ll be able to handle them with greater ease and resilience.

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?
I’m Pingnan Lu, an illustrator and comic artist. While I primarily work in digital drawing, exploring shapes with a sense of spatial depth, I also have a deep love for the tactile quality of paper. I often incorporate Pantone colors into my designs to achieve richer color expression, and I blend traditional printing techniques—such as letterpress, offset printing, and Risograph—into my work to enhance its texture and visual impact.

Currently, while creating illustrations and designs for clients, I’m also publishing my own comics. In my comic work, I enjoy exploring social issues and expressing them through metaphorical storytelling. I take pride in my unique and flexible way of thinking, which sets me apart from others and is reflected in my distinctive artistic style.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Many people deserve credit for where I am today. First and foremost, my mother has played the most significant role. She never forced any life decisions on me and has always supported me, both emotionally and financially.

Next, I owe a great deal to my classmates and professors during my graduate studies, when I first began learning illustration systematically. Our class had an excellent learning atmosphere, fostering a friendly yet competitive environment that pushed everyone to grow. They helped me build a solid foundation and develop a system that suited my approach to learning illustration. Meeting such kind and talented individuals in the same field gave me the confidence and strength to explore the professional world of illustration without hesitation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pingnan-lu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pingnanlu/
• Other: email：lupingnan8@gmail.com