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

Manman, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The journey to my creative career has been nothing short of a captivating and serendipitous adventure. Looking back on my experiences, I am enthralled by the way art and creativity have been an intrinsic part of my life since an early age.

Even as a young child, when words escaped me, I found solace and expression through a pen and paper, sketching whimsical little people for endless hours. My parents recognized this innate passion and supported me wholeheartedly, even when my artistic enthusiasm led me to scribble on the walls with a paintbrush. Instead of scolding, they embraced my burgeoning talent, encouraging me to paint until I had adorned every inch of the walls within my reach.

At the tender age of four, I delved into watercolors and molded clay figures, immersing myself in the world of colors and textures. By the age of seven, I embarked on formal sketching lessons, honing my skills and discovering the boundless possibilities of art. Despite the demands of high school, my ardor for painting remained unwavering; it was the one passion that illuminated my life, while other hobbies came and went.

During my college years, I delved into the mesmerizing realm of new media art and design. This academic pursuit not only allowed me to refine my abilities but also paved the way for participating in prestigious competitions where I achieved remarkable success. In the pursuit of excellence, I joined hands with like-minded friends to establish our own creative studio, where we ventured into branding and graphic design for diverse brands. This endeavor not only brought recognition but also provided my first substantial financial reward. It was then that the seeds of certainty were sown, and I wholeheartedly committed myself to a career in art creation.

To this day, art remains the compass guiding my professional journey. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found my passion at a young age—a passion that continues to blaze fiercely within me. My love for art fuels my creativity, and it is with profound dedication that I embark on each new project, eager to bring forth innovative ideas and stir emotions through my work.

Manman, 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 am Manman Li, an NFT artist and product designer, currently based in New York. Art has been my passion since childhood, and I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts and Design from Hong Kong Baptist University. Three years ago, I came to New York for an Honors Graduate Degree in Digital Arts from Pratt Institute. This in-depth study has deepened my commitment to art creation.

During my initial year in the United States, fate intervened, and I stumbled upon the fascinating world of NFTs. As a digital artist, I found myself drawn to this cutting-edge field, but I initially feared that opportunities to venture into the realm of web3 and NFTs were scarce. However, fortune smiled upon me when my friends at Stanford reached out, requesting my creative talents to design an NFT image for their web3 product.

This serendipitous encounter marked the inception of my journey as the NFT artist for the groundbreaking Nuwa project. Moreover, my role swiftly expanded to become the Art Director for the venture. With relentless commitment and unwavering passion, our team’s collaborative efforts bore fruit as the project secured an astounding $20M investment by the end of 2021, propelling the company’s growth from a modest team of a dozen individuals to an impressive workforce of over a hundred.

In November 2022, I proudly showcased my first digital arts exhibition in the heart of New York. The event garnered exceptional attention, capturing the imagination of more than 30 media outlets and garnering acclaim from esteemed visitors, curators, and art enthusiasts alike. The resounding success of this exhibition served as an affirming testament to the impact of my artistic creations, fueling my determination to continue crafting meaningful and evocative art.

In April 2023, an exciting opportunity beckoned me to join the groundbreaking NFT project, Atopia. Embracing the challenge as the sole NFT artist on the team, I embraced the responsibility of designing and producing all the NFT components. The task proved formidable, yet I delighted in the fulfillment of bringing my artistic vision to life. The outcome surpassed all expectations, leaving me profoundly gratified. The eagerly awaited first batch of NFTs, featuring adorable AI monkeys, is slated for release on Opensea at the end of August. These charming creations hold a special place in my heart, and I extend a warm invitation to fellow NFT enthusiasts to join our Discord group and Twitter community for exclusive access to the whitelist.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

As a digital artist, I believe that NFTs have revolutionized the art world, providing young artists like me with exciting opportunities and new horizons.

I think the emergence of NFTs has increased the forms of art expression. NFTs come in a variety of forms, including 2D illustration, 3D art, motion design, game design and even real-time generated art, the appearance of NFTs has helped expand the definition of art and creative expression, allowing for the exploration of novel art forms and ideas.

The decentralized nature of NFTs has also played a significant role in enhancing the value and uniqueness of our artworks. Each NFT carries verifiable ownership, ensuring that the true essence of our creations is preserved and appreciated by collectors worldwide.

I believe that one of the most important aspects of art is to gather people together and create discussion. NFTs have been controversial, and it is essential to acknowledge the concerns raised regarding their environmental impact due to the energy consumption of some blockchain networks. As an artist in this space, I believe it’s crucial to advocate for sustainable practices and explore eco-friendly solutions for NFT creation and trading. Despite these controversies, they have sparked meaningful discussions that allow more art to be reflected upon, thus driving art to evolve and progress with the times.

NFTs have created a vibrant ecosystem where artists, collectors, and enthusiasts converge, celebrating art in all its diverse forms. Through this transformative journey, I am filled with optimism for the future of art, and I am thrilled to be part of this dynamic movement that continues to shape the art landscape for generations to come. As we navigate the uncharted territories of creativity and technology together, I am confident that NFTs will leave an indelible mark on the art world, empowering artists and reshaping the way we perceive, create, and appreciate art in the digital era.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding moment is when I can tell a good story, and bring thoughts or emotions to people through my creations and designs. Whether I am a NFT Artist, Digital artist, or product designer, I am always telling a story, through different forms of artistic expression, and through logical design thinking.

When I am a digital artist making my interactive installation. Firstly, I contemplate the story the installation intends to convey and assess whether it possesses the power to provoke thought in the audience. Then, I delve into the form of interaction, strategically crafting the presentation to guide people organically, ensuring that the theme shines through without relying on textual support. Lastly, I consider the technology that brings the installation to life, enabling a seamless and captivating experience.

In fact, the process of art creation and design often mirrors that of product development. I am mindful of the problems my work aims to address, the messages it seeks to convey, and how it will be perceived by its audience. While I don’t expect the audience to grasp the theme and story precisely as I intend, I find great fulfillment in knowing that diverse interpretations are possible. As long as my work resonates with the audience, sparking a connection or emotional response, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment. It is this ability to touch people’s lives through art that fuels my passion and dedication to my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.manmanlee.com
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/manmanli