Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessy Liu.
Hi Jessy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an illustrator, designer, and animator. My experiences have instilled in me a strong interest in exploring different creative directions, and I have a knack for delving deep into my research.
I obtained my bachelor’s degree in graphic design and later worked as a UI designer for a period. This allowed me to accumulate rich practical experience in design. However, I felt that the challenges I encountered in corporate design were somewhat limited. It was during this time that illustration caught my attention once again.
As a result, I began to explore illustration while simultaneously participating in various competitions with my own works, such as ADC and AI-AP. I even had the honor of receiving the SPD-U Gold Award from the Society of Publication Designers. During this period, I ventured into the realm of animation, adding to my skill set and earning the distinction of being a chosen winner in IMAA11.
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?
I have a vivid memory of a conversation I had with the illustrator Brendan Leach, where we discussed how “as an illustrator, one of the first things you may learn to face is rejection. No matter how talented or exceptional an illustrator is, no doubt they have experienced rejection at some point.” This deeply resonated with me when I first entered the industry. As an illustrator, we often need to communicate with various art directors from magazines or websites and promote our work. It’s not an easy task, and I never anticipated how challenging it could be before becoming an illustrator.
If you’re reaching out online, you send promotional emails to different art directors, and most of them may go unanswered. Occasionally, three or four responses may give you a glimmer of hope. Some may love your work but unfortunately have no suitable projects, while others might recommend you to other magazines’ art directors. These emails require time to settle before they potentially lead to projects. Hence, we often find ourselves waiting and constantly exploring new market opportunities. This profession is a delicate balance of freedom and challenge, surviving and striving for success because it relies on passion.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had recently was when I served as an assistant art director for the “Through Different Eyes” exhibition in New York. My acrylic series, “Dad and Son,” was also featured in the exhibition. This event aimed to showcase the exchange of different cultures and the ideas of Asian artists. My work offered the audience a unique perspective on family relationships, as in some Asian households, children may grow up with more companionship from their grandparents due to their parents’ busy schedules. I portrayed the longing of children for the presence of their parents. This exhibition experience introduced me to many outstanding artists and exposed me to diverse Asian perspectives.
I believe that my art is centered on empowering and caring for people. With the abundance of real-world pressures, I aspire to create a sanctuary, an ideal realm, where individuals can find emotional support. I have a fondness for traditional media because, unlike intangible electronic techniques, traditional media allows one to physically interact with the pigments on the canvas, which brings me a sense of happiness. Ultimately, my goal is to convey a deeper sense of emotional care to others.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic is a disaster, and in the face of disasters, people tend to reflect. The quarantine during the pandemic temporarily halted the real world, providing me with more time to contemplate my work. My acrylic painting, “The Fear,” was inspired during this period. It depicts what I fear the most – being observed. I’m afraid that being under scrutiny and attention would magnify my flaws. I decided to illustrate my fears. When these fears took on a tangible form, I felt a sense of relief. Finally, I could project my fears onto a concrete image. My fear is something that can be seen, something that can be conquered. It transformed from a monster that robbed me of my strength into an obstacle I could confront and overcome.
Contact Info:
- Website: jessyliu.work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessyyy_liu/
Image Credits
Image 1-5 : “Dad and Son” Image 6: “The Fear”
