Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Qian.
Lily, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am an illustrator based in Brooklyn, NY. I have had the pleasure of working on various projects in editorial, publishing, advertising, kid-lit, surface design, fashion, and beauty. I am always seeking more meaningful assignments, particularly in the editorial and book fields. Illustration is my self-initiated second career. Before working as a freelance illustrator, I worked as a womenswear fashion designer for corporate brands. In addition to my freelance work, I teach undergraduate illustration at The Fashion Institute of Technology, and I am also pursuing my MFA there. I work from my home studio with my lazy cat assistant, Walnut.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Illustration is a rewarding and creative career; however, freelance work comes with its challenges, particularly when starting out and seeking stability. In my case, I made the decision to change my creative career direction in my 30s without returning to art school. As a result, I missed out on opportunities to build a community and receive support in the initial stages. Fortunately, I had a solid art foundation from my undergraduate studies to rely on. Initially, I focused on fashion illustration and advertising while also freelancing in design art departments on the side. It often felt like juggling multiple jobs simultaneously. Late nights, weekends, and numerous sacrifices were necessary to keep pushing forward. In hindsight, if I hadn’t put in the hard work and persevered during those early years, I don’t believe I would be where I am today as an illustrator.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I find great fulfillment in editorial and book work. Illustrating books, arts, and film reviews are particularly enjoyable assignments for me. Through editorial projects, I cherish the opportunity to discover new authors and explore a wide range of topics. Recently, I had the pleasure of working on a children’s chapter book, and I am eager to undertake more book cover and interior illustration projects. My passion lies in blending traditional analog techniques with digital tools. I draw inspiration from experimenting and embracing the unexpected outcomes that arise from combining different materials and textured backgrounds. Apart from storytelling, I love playing with abstract shapes to create a moment of surprise in my illustrations.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Currently, I’m reading books on Magic Realism in Latin American literature for this summer. Some of my favorites include “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez, “Dream Tigers” by Jorge Luis Borges, and many more. When I’m drawing, I enjoy listening to podcasts such as The Daily, NPR, On Being, Bandsplain, or Lore.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lily-qian.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyqian_/
Image Credits
Photo of Lily Qian, by Nathan Rocky Illustrations by Lily Qian
