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

Hi Letao, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I am fortunate to have parents who recognized my passion for art and consistently supported and encouraged me to pursue it. Growing up in a family with a strong artistic inclination, with my mother studying graphic design and my father majoring in interior design, undoubtedly had a significant impact on my life and career.

One vivid memory that stands out is from my third-grade year. My teacher assigned me the task of designing a blackboard art piece for the back of our classroom. After school, I struggled to create a beautiful title letter for the artwork. That day, my mom came to pick me up, and upon seeing my frustration, she stepped in to help. She collaborated with me and together, we crafted the most stunning design that my young eyes had ever seen. I was immensely impressed and proud of my mom’s artistic prowess, and it was in that moment that I aspired to be like her.

From that point forward, my interest in drawing became more pronounced, and my mom continued to nurture my artistic abilities. She enrolled me in art summer camps, craft lessons, and gradually, I started taking art skill classes as I grew older. Throughout my life, I have consistently engaged in drawing and other art forms, thanks to my mom’s unwavering support.

Their belief in my artistic talent and their willingness to invest in my development has shaped my journey immensely. Their constant support has enabled me to explore my creativity, refine my skills, and ultimately, find fulfillment in my chosen path.

Today, I am grateful for the foundation they laid for me. Their belief in me has not only impacted my artistic endeavors but has also instilled in me a strong work ethic, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. I carry their influence with me, and it continues to drive me forward in both my life and my career.

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

Hello! My name is Letao Sun, and I am an illustrator based in the New York City. I recently graduated from the Illustration program, where I obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts. I have always been captivated by the world of art and creativity, and my journey into the illustration industry was a natural progression of my passion. From a young age, I found joy in capturing the essence of animals, plants, and human activities through my illustrations. My work is characterized by its vibrant colors, expressive shapes, and intricate decorative elements, all aimed at immortalizing the brightest moments of life.
As a freelance illustrator, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with authors to design book covers and create illustrations that breathe life into their stories. I also produce editorial illustrations for newspapers and magazines, where I have the opportunity to visually communicate complex ideas and narratives.
In addition to my commissioned work, I am particularly proud of a personal project I undertook—a picture book called ‘Fizz.’ This book is an exploration of the introverted experience, a topic close to my heart. Through the pages of ‘Fizz,’ I aimed to provide comfort, understanding, and inspiration to fellow introverts who may sometimes feel misunderstood. Creating this book allowed me to combine my passion for storytelling with my love for illustration.
What sets me apart in the industry is my versatile skill set and dedication to the craft. While my primary focus is illustration, I am also an ardent enthusiast of printmaking. The process of creating silkscreen, etching, and linocut prints brings me immense joy and tranquility. This additional expertise allows me to explore various artistic techniques and offer unique, multi-dimensional perspectives to my clients and projects.

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

Supporting artists and creatives is crucial, and the most important thing is recognizing the value of art and creativity. Artists make significant contributions to culture and expression, shaping our society in meaningful ways. When people truly appreciate the value of these contributions, it becomes essential to provide fair compensation to artists. This means paying artists what their work is worth and ensuring they receive a fair income for their efforts.

Financial support is another key aspect of supporting artists. Many artists face financial challenges and struggle to sustain their careers solely through their art. Supporting artists financially also means actively investing in their work, such as purchasing their artwork, commissioning creative projects, and attending their exhibitions and performances. When people are willing to pay for artistic endeavors, it not only provides financial support to artists but also sends a powerful message about the value of their work to society.

Additionally, education about copyright protection is vital. It’s important to educate individuals about the significance of intellectual property rights and the need to respect and protect artists’ work. Strong copyright laws and enforcement mechanisms are essential in safeguarding artists’ rights and promoting a fair and sustainable creative ecosystem.

How did you build your audience on social media?

First and foremost, it’s to consistently create and post content. By regularly sharing your art on social media, you allow people to see and get to know your work. This visibility is essential in attracting an audience who wants to learn more about you and your creations.

Secondly, I’ve found that building a supportive network of fellow artists is invaluable. In the beginning, I viewed my followers as friends and family. I started by connecting with my classmates, professors, and other artists in my community. As we supported and interacted with each other’s work, our networks grew. I believe in the power of artists supporting one another, so I frequently share the artworks of my friends and other artists I admire. I post them in my Instagram story, which helps both myself and others gain exposure to a wider audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.letaosun.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letaoart/