Check Out Hang Li’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hang Li.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I come from Tianjin, China. Currently, I work as a concept artist in the gaming industry, specializing in character and environment design. My father is a painter, and it was probably his influence that sparked my strong interest in painting from a very young age. From initially scribbling with a pencil on paper, to later falling in love with animated characters on the television screen and painstakingly imitating them one by one, my childhood memories seem intricately intertwined with drawing.

As I grew older, my love for drawing continued to grow, prompting me to attend a specialized art high school. This laid the initial groundwork for my future career and provided a solid foundation for my current profession. Those days were challenging and at times even a bit tedious, as I started from the basics of drawing and practiced relentlessly day after day. My love for drawing kept me tirelessly dedicated. Looking back now, I am immensely grateful for the hardworking self I was back then.

After graduating from high school, I successfully entered the art academy of my choice, which is Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts. During my university years, I focused on solidifying my traditional painting skills and sought to discover the areas that truly interested me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Upon graduating from university, I enrolled in the graduate program for Visual Development at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. At that time, I struggled with whether to focus on 2D animation, 3D animation, or visual development for quite some time. Ultimately, I chose Visual Development. Compared to animation and 3D modeling, I found myself more interested in the early stages of visual design. From then on, my future career path became clearer. I aspired to become a concept artist, and I began to concentrate my studies in that direction. Along the way, I serendipitously encountered game design. I applied much of the knowledge I had gained in the Visual Development department, allowing me to swiftly step into the realm of concept art for games.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
During my time in school, I worked as a freelance illustrator. During this period, I provided illustrations for interactive novel authors and participated in pre-production work for animation projects. After graduation, I joined an emerging company composed of seasoned veterans in game development, taking on the role of a concept artist for games.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
During my journey of studying art and seeking employment, I encountered many mentors. They included teachers and department heads from my university, as well as the senior who guided me into the field of game design. Whether in academics or professional development, they provided me with tremendous help and support. These valuable experiences have become significant milestones in my life’s journey, shaping the trajectory of my career today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artstation.com/harveyli
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harveyli56/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006742906431
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hang-li-4a3221b2/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/OkamiL_Art

Image Credits
Hang Li