Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elaine Li. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Elaine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

When I assume the role of an artist or creator, I feel a deep sense of excitement and fulfillment. Creating art always excites me; it’s something I’m truly passionate about! Expressing my thoughts and emotions through art is a unique and enjoyable experience, especially when I’m crafting characters and their stories, including the creation of illustrations. I love painting and strive for beautiful visuals, constantly seeking innovation and uniqueness, which keeps my enthusiasm for artistic creation alive!

However, being a self-employed, freelance artist doesn’t come with a stable income, which is a challenge for many. Despite my passion for art, there are times when I imagine having a regular job because a stable career could offer a more predictable life and financial security. Nevertheless, I am well aware that I would quickly become tired of a fixed job because, compared to creating work that aligns with others’ standards, especially those of companies and businesses, I prefer giving my all to express myself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As an educator, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the academic growth and personal development of students. My experience includes designing a tailored curriculum for 11-16 year-olds, integrating fine art techniques, art history, and advanced project studies to address curriculum gaps and enhance the overall learning experience.

Simultaneously, as a freelance illustrator, I’ve played a key role in bringing creativity to life. I’ve contributed to a Beijing-based publishing house, crafting 17 pages of captivating children’s book illustrations and developing logos and branding materials for various clients. This experience allowed me to blend painting, hand-drawn, and digitally created images seamlessly.

Currently, I’m immersed in the exciting journey of designing my own IP brand as an illustrator. This venture involves the meticulous planning and creation of a visual storytelling/illustration series with applications across diverse domains. Engaging in this work not only allows me to express my artistic vision but also opens up new possibilities for creative exploration.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a profound desire to establish and propel the operation of my own intellectual property (IP) and brand. This not only aligns with my personal interests but also stands as my most significant aspiration within the next five years. Within the realm of art, I am particularly drawn to the art of expression, the establishment of distinctive styles, and the narrative power of images. These focal points serve as constant motivators, propelling me to continually pursue new artistic achievements.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The very act of persistently pursuing my passion for drawing serves as a testament to my resilience. I’ve been captivated by art for as long as I can remember, having started drawing at the tender age of three. Throughout the years leading up to my preparation for admission into a professional art school and eventually entering the field, I never ceased to put pencil to paper. This dedication remained unwavering, especially when faced with the challenging dynamics and negative shifts within the art industry.

Witnessing some adverse changes and a somewhat daunting job market in the art industry didn’t shake my determination to become an illustrator. In fact, it fueled my focus on personal growth and self-improvement, reinforcing my commitment to the illustratioon and drawing ability. The continuous pursuit of art has not only been a lifelong passion but also a resilient response to the challenges encountered along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elainelixx.art/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xinyue-li-48538b26b/

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/elainelixx.art/