We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lulu Yueming Qu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lulu Yueming, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I always feel I am so lucky to be an artist. But when I just graduated from my graduate school in New York City, it is very difficult to start my art career. The reason is simple, I don’t know how to make money, and it is hart to get enough commissions as a beginner. I started to look for a job, and yes, I got a job at a nice gallery in Chelsea, New York City. I work as a gallery associate. And then, I got a part time job at Giphy to design and curate their Asian gifs. They are both somehow related with art. And from the working experiences, I had some savings to print my artworks and started selling online. I am sometimes wondering what it would be like to have a regular job, but I am glad that I choose to take my real profession and passion to be my career. Because I always receive notes and messages from my friends, they are kind of jealous of me being an artist. I am not saying it is boring to work in the office, but I feel free and happy to do something I truly enjoy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Lulu Yueming Qu, the founder of LULU.LIVE Art LLC. Although I officially launched my business in 2018, I began drawing at a very young age—around 6 years old. I started learning traditional Chinese painting when I was 10 years old. I continued my studies in college and graduate school, focusing on this discipline. After graduating from China’s top art school, The Central Academy of Fine Arts, I sought to expand my artistic horizons in the United States. I pursued a second Master’s Degree in illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. During my studies, I merged traditional Chinese painting with contemporary illustration, giving rise to my distinctive and original artistic style. After spending 5 years in New York City, I moved to San Diego, California with my husband and subsequently founded my company.

My brand primarily sells my personally designed prints, greeting cards, postcards, stickers, tote bags, and blankets through my Etsy shop and at local markets. Currently, my products are stocked in coffee shops, boutique stores, and shops within the San Diego Airport. I also showcase and sell my original artworks at ArtWalk. Additionally, I undertake commissions from individual clients and corporate groups, tailoring the artwork to their specific requests. My clients encompass a wide range, including magazines, restaurants, teashops, fashion studios, and educational programs. Some of my notable clients are GoodWill NYNJ, Eurostar, China National Radio, Institute of Culinary Education, Joe’s Pizza, Angelika Film Center, FIT Foundation, MILK x HongKong Magazine, Edible Magazine, Cipriani, Parkway Plaza, Educate Tomorrow, and SDG&E.ArtReach, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Serena & Lily…

What sets me apart is my ability to balance creativity with reliability and punctuality. Meeting project deadlines is a top priority for me. Effective communication is a cornerstone; I ensure a comprehensive understanding of my clients’ requirements before initiating any work. In situations where clients require guidance, I leverage my expertise to offer suggestions that optimize project outcomes. Each project is like my baby, and I put all my effort into it to make sure my clients are happy with how it turns out.

What I take the most pride in is both my distinctive art style and the exceptional quality of my art products. As previously mentioned, my creative approach melds traditional Chinese painting with contemporary illustration, allowing me to infuse my work with my own cultural heritage—an accomplishment that brings me great joy. I remain committed to utilizing Chinese bamboo brushes, Asian gouache, and ink to craft my pieces, thus preserving the essence of my cultural roots.

Moreover, I hold my art products to exacting standards. To ensure accuracy in color and quality, I personally hand-print all my creations in my studio. Each print receives my signature as a mark of its authenticity. In cases where I’m unable to produce items in my studio—such as tote bags and blankets—I diligently seek out the finest manufacturers. My ultimate goal is to ensure that every customer derives enjoyment and satisfaction from my products.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe that the ideal society values creativity. Unfortunately, many people still underestimate the value of art. Numerous artists, myself included, have encountered clients who seek art but are unwilling to pay its true worth. While this might have been acceptable during my student days, it’s crucial for them to understand that artists also need to sustain themselves through their work. Although acknowledging our art is a positive step, it falls short; we have bills, groceries, and the expenses of art supplies to consider. Art education plays a pivotal role here—I earnestly hope that educators in schools can impart respect for artists and an appreciation for their work to students.

Community workshops serve as a solution. Spanning from kids to adults, these workshops teach basic crafting skills, cultivating art as a hobby. Such initiatives can play a significant role in nurturing an environment where art is valued and respected.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I believe art knows no bounds. Our lives are immersed in the digital realm, with digital currency permeating every facet. The advent of NFTs doesn’t surprise me—it’s a glimpse into a potential future. I cannot foresee the exact shape of the world to come, but I bear witness to the rapid pace of change. The debut of the personal computer in 1981, just a little over 40 years ago, exemplifies this shift. Today, countless artists create digital artwork. The pace of global advancement is astounding. Anything can transpire.

Artists, as a collective of creative minds, embrace novelty. We aren’t afraid of innovation; our concern lies in failing to grasp and explore these new dimensions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lululiveart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qululululu
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lulu.qu.12/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lulu-qu-643a2ab8?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
• Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LuluLiveArtStudio?ref=profile_header