Today we’d like to introduce you to Oliver Li
Hi Oliver , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t grow up studying art. My family atmosphere was not very artistic. I only got the chance to touch painting after I entered high school, and it was as if the door to a new world had opened from then on. After graduating from high school, there was no doubt in my mind that I would choose Illustration as my university major. During my three years of study, I have been slowly exploring my illustration style. I also tried different categories in the field of illustration. I graduated this year with a first-class degree in Illustration from the University of Plymouth. I also won this year’s D&AD NewBlood Portfolio competition in the illustration category. I’m just now starting my career as an illustrator and am exploring it. One step at a time, slowly but surely.
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?
The process was not a smooth one. I often thought about employment problems when I was studying. This led to a time when I would often create illustrations that I didn’t really like just to fit the style. As an illustrator, it was like losing my voice. I think pursuing one particular style too much is a way to shut down one’s personal artistic style.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My illustrations are mainly editorial and publishing illustrations. I also do a lot of personal work. I’m glad I’ve explored my own style so far. I think of my work as digital illustrations with fuzzy textures. I add a lot of textures to my illustrations and a lot of the subjects I illustrate revolve around life and the details of it. I wouldn’t say my style would be set in stone, I’m sure it changes with time and experience.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I believe that as an illustrator, you don’t just have to be good at making illustrations, you need to have other skills on your side as well. I don’t think I’ll just stop at illustration. I’d like to explore other areas of the creative industry as well, I’m very interested in animation and interaction design as well as art direction. Many people think of illustrators as a very quiet and introverted group of people. I’m the opposite, I’m very passionate and good at networking, and meeting like-minded illustrators and other talents in the creative industry has allowed me to explore more possibilities and potential collaborations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oliversonline667.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliversonline667?igsh=dW9mcWswdmVyeDcx&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Oliver Li
