We recently connected with Yiran Li and have shared our conversation below.

Yiran, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Most of my skills were developed over years of study, from my BFA to my MFA. I had a wide range of interests and tried to take as many classes as possible, from papermaking to upholstery. I was also very active in the workshop, which provided a great opportunity to quickly learn new skills and gain a foundational understanding. I feel that all the skills I’ve learned are like what my professor used to say: ‘Every skill you learn goes into a drawer. You never know when you’ll need it, but one day, you’ll open a drawer and apply everything you’ve learned to a project.’ One challenge, however, is always time. Now that I’m back in school, I need to manage my time better so I can continue learning and practicing the skills I’ve acquired.

Yiran, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I call myself a designer because most of my work and interests revolve around furniture and product design. I’ve primarily focused on using wood as a medium to explore geometric shapes and the aesthetics of furniture pieces. Recently, however, I’ve developed a strong interest in papermaking. I’m drawn to the softness and flexibility of paper, and I’m excited by the possibilities it offers as a material for creating furniture. I see this as an adventure, and perhaps that’s what sets me apart—I’m not afraid to explore new materials, even if it means starting from scratch. I’ve begun making my own paper to create furniture and am now experimenting with cardboard to create soft materials for new products.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

What I love most about being an artist is the ability to bring ideas to life. I remember during my time in school when Iowa Magazine interviewed a few of us, asking why we chose furniture design. My answer was, ‘I love the possibility of drawing something from scratch and making it real.’ Designers are like magicians in that way—we have the unique ability to turn people’s imaginations into tangible objects. That creative power is what I love and what keeps me passionate about this field.

The most rewarding aspect for me is seeing my designs become physical objects, shaped by my hands and vision, and then sharing them with others. There’s a deep satisfaction when others connect with my work and share positive feedback. It’s inspiring to know that something I created resonates with people, sparking new thoughts or bringing enjoyment into their lives.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

My advice would be to find your community. In October, I attended a papermaking conference, and I only wish I had discovered it years ago. There’s something incredibly uplifting about connecting with people who share your passion, especially in a welcoming space without gatekeepers. Everyone celebrates each other’s achievements and openly shares experiences and techniques. I learned so much from this conference, and it reinforced for me how crucial it is to find your people.

Having a supportive community means that when any of us gets stuck or hits a creative block, we have each other to turn to for guidance. We can visit each other’s studios, exchange insights, and help each other move forward. It’s invaluable to have people you can rely on, especially during challenging times. Finding a community like this can be the difference between feeling isolated and feeling truly supported.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yrlidesign.com/
• Instagram: @yrlidesign
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yr-li/

Image Credits

image credits: Yiran Li