Today we’d like to introduce you to Yifan Li.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an illustrator and graphic designer living in New York City. My works have been selected to exhibitions multiple times and awarded. I also have extensive experience in editorial illustration, poster design, banner design, and product design. My designs are also including street art logos, 3D prototypes of cat houses and scratching boards, digital promotional flyers, and beyond. My works focus on social phenomena such as women’s rights and animal care. I started my artistic journey at age four with a colored pencil. Pursuing high school studies in the United States was a crucial step. I believe in art with meaning, blending skills with critical thinking and social relevance. Internships at McCann and collaborations with Smile Paws taught me practical applications. Now, I’m pursuing a master’s in multimedia graphic design at RISD to push my art further. Today, I’m a dedicated artist and graphic designer using technology to create impactful visual stories and make a difference through art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My artistic journey has been filled with enriching moments and challenges. While I’ve had a passion for art since I was young and received recognition for my talent, it hasn’t been without its difficulties. Like many artists, I’ve experienced moments of uncertainty when searching for my unique artistic style. Balancing the practical demands of life with the pursuit of art has also been a significant challenge. As an artist, you often grapple with questions about whether your artistic style should be commercial and mainstream or if you should follow a more niche path. However, I believe that if you can often remind yourself of the initial passion you felt when you first picked up a paintbrush as a child, you can always find your own path of self-discovery.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an illustrator and graphic designer known for creating vibrant and socially relevant visual narratives. My specialty lies in blending traditional and digital techniques to craft compelling designs. What sets me apart is my commitment to infusing meaning into my work. I’m proud of bridging art with commerce, as seen in successful collaborations. I enjoy using vibrant, even fluorescent colors to communicate with the world and to show more people my world.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Instagram serves as a valuable platform for artists and designers. Instead of merely perceiving Instagram as a social networking application, it functions as a repository for numerous artists and designers who showcase their creative works and tutorials on the platform. Additionally, Pinterest proves to be a valuable resource for creative inspiration. In certain instances, even random music podcasts can be beneficial. Arts are connected. The underlying belief is in the interconnectedness of various forms of artistic expression. Exposure to diverse music genres and the contextual narratives surrounding music can yield unexpected and enriching insights that spark creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yifanliart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by_the_wind_sailor_art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yifanliart/
