Meet Manzi Liu

 

We recently connected with Manzi Liu and have shared our conversation below.

Manzi , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I’m not sure if I found my purpose or if my purpose found me. Here is my story of discovering my purpose.

When I was little, I was known as the “art girl.” I was always the best in art class, created flyers and posters for school, and won many art-related awards from a very young age. Ever since I was a child, I always wanted to be an artist. However, when I reached college, I became very confused about what I wanted to do in life. I thought being an artist couldn’t provide a living, so I felt the need to find something that could make money. The only thing I knew at that moment was teaching art. I started teaching art classes while still in college and enjoyed it, so I got a teaching job after graduating with my BFA art degree.

However, I soon realized that being a school teacher was very different from teaching workshops and I wasn’t happy. It was a tough decision, but I decided to quit my teaching job. During that time, I was very depressed because I felt like a failure and that all my hard work meant nothing. I had worked so hard to study art, and now I didn’t even know what to do.

One day, I cleared my mind and asked myself, if finances were not a problem, what would I really want to do in life? The answer was clear: I still wanted to be an artist. Of course, I still didn’t know how I could survive as an artist, but I knew that I couldn’t keep lying to myself and hiding what my heart really wanted. When I started to face my truth and tell the universe what I really wanted, things began to happen. People started asking me to paint murals for restaurants, storefronts, and homes. My works were exhibited in many galleries. I have been interviewed by TV stations and magazines, and I was awarded the Broward Cultural Division’s Artist Innovation Grant twice.

I also discovered that I enjoyed painting live at events. Besides galleries and murals, you can find me painting live at weddings and various events. I still don’t know how everything will unfold, but I think creating art is what I’m meant to do. When you do something you are meant to do, things just start coming together.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a visual artist, muralist, and live wedding painter based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I have been study art in China, France, and received BFA in Studio Art Painting from Florida Atlantic University, USA.

My artwork has exhibited in prestigious exhibitions such as Bailey Contemporary Art Gallery, Hatch 1121 Gallery, Ali Cultural Arts Gallery, Broward Center and more. It’s been an honor to be interviewed by PBS TV Station, WSFL TV, Pompano! Magazine, Shoutout Miami Magazine, and VoyageMia.

I am currently focus on Live Wedding Painting, Live Portrait Illustrations and Public Murals.

My journey into Live Event Painting began at a jazz concert during my solo exhibition. I found immense joy in creating art live, forging meaningful connections along the way. Initially, I focused on live painting events at galleries. One day when I heard an interview with a live wedding painter on my way to my studio. It struck me that my art, known for its dream-like surreal style with vibrant and calming colors, centered on portraits and landscapes. This is the perfect combination for live wedding painting. I started with one wedding, then another, and now I can’t stop. I love being part of such significant moments in a couple’s life. I named my live wedding painting business Wedding Painting by Manzi.

As a live wedding painter, my commitment is to support my clients on their special day, ensuring their vision is the focus. My role is to capture their love and transfer it to a canvas, creating a personalized masterpiece. I prioritize active listening and genuine care to ensure their wedding day becomes a cherished memory in the form of a unique art piece.

As a live guest portrait illustrator, my goal is to create amazing portrait illustrations for each guest, making their night unforgettable. My illustrations serve as entertainment and the best wedding favor. I ensure all guests enjoy my presence and artwork. When a couple chooses me for live guest portrait illustrations, it shows how much they value their guests, and that makes them very important to me too.

As a muralist, I strive to transform public spaces into vibrant, dynamic environments that inspire and engage the community. Each mural project is an opportunity to collaborate with local residents and businesses to create artwork that reflects the unique culture and spirit of the area. My murals often feature bold colors and imaginative designs, aiming to bring joy and creativity to everyday surroundings. The impact of public art on the community is profound, and I am dedicated to contributing to that positive change through my work.

My journey is a blend of artistic skill and heartfelt service. Whether gallery exhibitions, murals, or capturing the magic of weddings, my art is a testament to passion, skill, and a deep commitment to making it beautiful and meaningful.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, I can identify three key qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful: technical drawing and painting skills, a strong and focused mindset, and effective client communication and understanding. Here’s a deeper look into each of these areas, along with advice for those early in their journey on how to develop and improve them.

1. Technical Drawing and Painting Skills
One of the most fundamental skills for any visual artist is the ability to draw and paint with precision and creativity. These technical skills form the backbone of your artistic practice and are crucial for expressing your ideas effectively. I spent countless hours honing my craft, studying different techniques, and experimenting with various mediums. My advice to budding artists is to never stop learning and practicing. Take classes, seek feedback from mentors, and constantly challenge yourself with new projects. Developing a strong foundation in technical skills will give you the confidence and capability to bring your artistic visions to life.

2. A Strong and Focused Mindset
Knowing your goals, understanding who you are, and recognizing what you are capable of are crucial for navigating the artistic journey. This mindset helps you stay true to your vision and persist through challenges. It’s important to set clear, achievable goals and regularly reflect on your progress. I found that maintaining a positive attitude and being resilient in the face of setbacks were essential to my growth.

3. Effective Client Communication and Understanding
Working with clients requires more than just artistic skill; it demands excellent communication and the ability to understand their needs and expectations. Listening to clients, empathizing with their situations, and accurately interpreting their vision are critical for delivering work that meets their satisfaction. Throughout my career, I’ve learned the importance of building strong relationships with clients by being attentive, asking the right questions, and providing clear updates throughout the project.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am always excited to collaborate with other visual artists, photographers, musicians, poet, and filmmakers. Collaborations not only enhance the creative process but also open up new avenues for innovation and expression. Here’s why I love to collaborate and how you can connect with me if you’re interested:

First and foremost, I love making friends with people in the creative field. There’s a unique bond that forms when creative minds come together, sharing ideas and inspiring one another. Getting to know other creatives and learning about their projects and passions is incredibly fulfilling. It’s fascinating to see the diverse range of perspectives and approaches within the artistic community.

Secondly, my past experiences collaborating with artists, photographers, musicians, poet, and filmmakers have been immensely rewarding. These collaborations have led to some of the most enjoyable and memorable moments in my career. Working together on exhibitions and public art projects has not only been fun but also enriched my own creative practice.

I have several ideas for future collaborations involving exhibitions and public art. If you are interested in partnering with me, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out. I am approachable, easy to work with, and genuinely enthusiastic about creating art with others.

If you are reading this and want to collaborate, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact me through my website or social media channels. I look forward to the possibility of working together and creating something amazing. Let’s connect and make art that inspires and excites!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Manzi Liu Art

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