Today we’d like to introduce you to Lan Luo.
Hi Lan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a freelance illustrator based in New York, doing digital editorial illustration, motiongraphy, and children’s book illustration. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts with a degree in illustration—Date back to the very beginning of my career, I tried to work in different positions, including graphic designer, curator, and auction manager, in terms of carving out a visual language for myself. When looking for inspiration now, I always return to my sketchbooks which I have drawn during this time of uncertainty.
I am now an MA archaeology student at New York University, focusing on the art of medieval manuscripts. While studying, I started to continue my illustrator career, and I found I’ve never felt this satisfied with my work. So some of my pieces have historical elements or iconography, which I found to be more expressive and convincing. The historical acknowledges help me better express myself and my emotions.
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?
It has not been a smooth road. I was very confused about how to develop my career since I switched jobs several times. After completing illustration projects during my master’s study, I found drawing could release my pressure–unlike the confusion that I got after graduation. I started attending exhibitions and start gain recognition in the publishing and editorial industries, working on diverse projects. And I told myself that this is what I really wanted.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I grew up in Shenzhen, China, which is a city by the ocean with natural beauty. My creative influences are simply found in my surroundings, and I like building the bridge between us and nature. My name Lan also refers to the ocean, so most of my works contain different color palettes of blue and a sense of flow.
My illustrations mostly depict a daily life discovery. I hope that people feel interested and joyful when they see my drawings, so my subjects move between serious subject matter, such as social problems, and more joyful moments, like “a falling colorful shooting star.” I like giving my audiences a realizing moment of “Oh, this pic is cute but not depicting a cute moment.”
After six years of living in New York City, I found my works were getting colorful and vivid as this city impressed me. I enjoy working with different colors and figuring out the best way for them to act in my illustrations.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Don’t be afraid of losing control. I have always wanted to be organized, logical, and reasonable about my decisions and my work. I don’t really draw sketches now, and I realized that unknown experiences and things bring me possibilities for creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lanluoart.com
- Instagram: Lanmuffin
Image Credits
Lan Luo
