We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yifeng Ma. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yifeng below.

Yifeng, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Recently, I graduated from college with a major in illustration, and the topic of finding a job has been unavoidable for me and my fellow graduates. This is a time when I’ve been reflecting on the choice I made four years ago—to pursue a path as a creative artist rather than opting for a more conventional and stable career.

Growing up, I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to explore a wide range of activities. I took classes in piano, sculpture, ballet, chess, and art. Of all these pursuits, art was the one that truly captivated me, and it became a constant in my life. My parents noticed my deep passion for it, as I was always drawing, whether at home or in various art classes. The turning point came during my junior year of college when representatives from ArtCenter visited one of my art classes. They showcased student work that left me spellbound. In that moment, I realized how fulfilling it would be to turn my passion into a lifelong career. With the support of my parents and those around me, I committed to this path, knowing it was what I loved most.

However, during my college years, I began to understand the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts. Being an artist doesn’t always provide the stability that other professions might offer. It’s a path that requires balancing dreams with the practicalities of life. This led to a period of uncertainty, where I questioned whether I had made the right choice and what kind of life I wanted to lead. I wondered if I would be happier if I had chosen a different major. But after much introspection, the answer was clear: no. Despite the difficult times, the confusion, the exhaustion, I never regretted my decision. I found deep enjoyment in what I was doing, constantly pushing myself to improve.

I’ve come to realize that I’m incredibly fortunate to have discovered my passion at an early age and to have been able to pursue it as a career. Being an artist is challenging, but it allows me to do what I love and to express myself through my work. While finding a job in this field may be daunting, I’m committed to continuing to hone my skills and to seek out opportunities. Without my love and passion for art, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would encourage others to explore, find what they truly love, and to persist in their pursuit of it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

To briefly introduce myself, I am a Chinese illustrator currently based in LA, specializing in background art and visual development with a strong interest in the entertainment industry. My work involves bringing stories and concepts to life through visual art, turning ideas into immersive experiences. What excites me most about my craft is the ability to be incredibly creative—building worlds that don’t exist in reality and sharing them with others. There’s something deeply fulfilling about transforming a simple idea into a visual reality and knowing that my work can inspire, evoke emotions, and spark thoughts in my audience.

My multicultural background and diverse experiences have significantly shaped my unique art style. I grew up in Shanghai, China, and moved to the U.S. at the age of 14—a challenging experience that taught me independence and adaptability. I spent the first two years of high school in Philadelphia, then completed the remaining two years of high school and college in California. During college, I also had the opportunity to study independently at the University of the Arts London (UAL), where I spent a semester immersing myself in a new culture. These experiences across different parts of the world have given me a broader perspective, allowing me to connect with different people and cultures, which I bring into my art. I believe everyone has a unique way of visualizing the world, and I’m passionate about sharing my perspective through my artwork. For me, art is a bridge between myself and my audience, allowing me to establish a meaningful connection and communicate my vision of the world.

As a recent graduate, I’m eager to explore various opportunities in the illustration field. I’m open to all types of illustration jobs—whether working as an in-house artist, freelancing, or taking on projects in animation, game design, publishing, or beyond. My passion for art and illustration drives me, and I believe that my skills in composition, perspective, color, lighting, and rendering give me a distinctive style that I’m excited to bring to different projects. Ultimately, I’m committed to continuing to do what I love—creating art that makes a positive impact, no matter how big or small, on the world.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with my audience and make even a small positive impact on the world. Art is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a way for me to communicate and share my inner thoughts, emotions, and ideas with others.

Growing up, I was an introverted kid who often felt overlooked. While other children were playing outside, I preferred to retreat into my room, where I would sketch out the imaginary worlds in my mind. There was a time when I struggled with self-confidence, feeling like I didn’t quite fit in. But when I was in art class or among people who loved art as much as I did, something changed. I found a sense of belonging and confidence that I hadn’t experienced before. I could talk passionately and openly about my artwork, and it was in these moments that I felt most myself.

The true joy of being an artist comes when I see my work resonating with others. Whether it’s someone telling me that my art brought them happiness or that it made them see the world a little differently, these moments are incredibly fulfilling. Art allows me to share my inner self without the need for words, creating a unique and powerful connection with my audience. Knowing that my art can touch someone, even in a small way, is what drives me to keep creating. It’s this connection, this ability to make a difference through my work, that makes being an artist so rewarding for me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem by creating more opportunities for artists to sustain themselves financially and to connect with their communities. The current period has been particularly challenging for artists and the entire creative industry due to a significant reduction in job opportunities. For artists to continue contributing to this industry and creating new works, it’s crucial that they are able to support themselves.

One effective way to do this is by organizing more local art fairs and community events where artists can showcase and sell their work. These events would not only provide artists with a platform to generate income but also offer them a chance to gain visibility and build a network with art lovers and fellow creatives. By fostering a sense of community, these gatherings can help artists feel supported and connected during tough times, reminding them that they are not alone.

Additionally, society can support artists by advocating for and investing in public art projects, grants, and residencies that provide both financial assistance and creative opportunities. Schools and institutions can play a role by integrating more arts education and promoting the value of creative professions. By recognizing and uplifting the contributions of artists, we can ensure that the creative ecosystem remains vibrant and sustainable, even in challenging times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yvonneart233.com/
• Instagram: yvonne_art233
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-ma-14b5401a9/