Life & Work with Evelyn(yu Qing) Liu of South Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn(yu Qing) Liu

Hi Evelyn(Yu Qing), can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am from Beijing, China. Painting has always been my passion. One of my favorite childhood pastimes was creating stories with friends, and then illustrating the items and clothing from those stories in a small notebook. I began formal training in traditional painting at the age of 15, learning techniques partly out of love for the art and partly to prepare for the art college entrance exams ( In China, if you want to qualify for admission to an art school, you must take a live test at each institution, and portfolios are not required).

During my undergraduate studies, I majored in product design and was captivated by “improving people’s lives through one’s thoughts and creativity.” In my junior year, I decided to pursue graduate studies in the United States, drawn by the better system and platforms for design disciplines here. The journey was challenging but rewarding—I received an offer and a scholarship from a school in the winter of 2019.

Then the pandemic struck. I opted to defer my admission and began working in Beijing. That year of work made me realize that perhaps my chosen path was not truly mine; conveying emotions and telling stories through images was my real desire. Therefore, before starting my graduate studies, I switched my major from interaction design to illustration.

Finding one’s artistic voice is crucial for any creator, and it was my priority during my studies. I’m not sure if I’ve found it yet, but I am sure that I am doing what I love. During this time, my work was shortlisted for Communication Arts, and my paper products were popular at New York’s MoCCA illustration fair. After graduation, I became a freelance illustrator and nail artist.

(Becoming a nail artist was somewhat serendipitous, fueled by my love of fine work. I started doing my nails and found that I was very good at it, which made nail art another aspect of my professional identity.)

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I could call it a smooth road. Though it has had its detours and obstacles, such as the pandemic, I am fortunate to have parents who love and support me and friends who care for me. Facing challenges with family and friends can also be a kind of happiness.

However, the creative process can be quite a struggle. I sometimes find myself mired in self-doubt, as both painting and music are quite subjective. You can’t be sure that what you create is what the market currently desires or needs. Thus, the learning never stops.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
This has always been a difficult question to answer. I’d say I’m quite skilled in dark fantasy illustrations and character design, and I also enjoy creating things that are brightly colored and cute. If others were to describe my work, they might say that it looks delicate, gentle, and rich in narrative. Painting is something where a solid foundation can lead to versatility in style, so it’s always good to experiment.

Perhaps my proudest achievement to date is… earning my master’s degree!

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
So much, my parents, other relatives, friends, loved ones, every teacher who guided me in my studies. I’ve had a lot of love and support in these twenty-six years of my life. But since illustration is a more independent profession and I have no plans to start a company, I don’t have a business partner story yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://inputaseal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/input_a_seal
• Other: https://www.artstation.com/evelyn_liu98

Image Credits
https://www.artstation.com/evelyn_liu98