Meet Lu Liu

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lu Liu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lu below.

Hi Lu, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

A big part of my resilience is self-perception, which for me means picking up a pencil or an iPad, any tool at hand, and doodling for a while. This simple act reassures me that I can still create, so everything must be okay.

Over time, it became clear to me that life’s difficulties are cyclical, much like Sisyphus rolling his boulder. If we can reframe these experiences as opportunities for growth, we can attach a more positive perspective to negative situations. After learning that my mom had glioblastoma, and as she slipped into a coma, I found myself unconsciously doodling every night by her bedside. Creating something spontaneously can give us new ways to express ourselves and carve out a momentary void in our spirits. In those moments, I take a brief respite from my worries and fears.

A quote that has always comforted me comes from Blaise Pascal’s ‘Pensées’: ‘Man is only a reed, the weakest in nature, but he is a thinking reed… man would still be nobler than his slayer, because he knows that he is dying and the advantage the universe has over him. The universe knows none of this.’ These words remind me of the unique strength we possess as conscious beings, even in our fragility.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

In recent years, I’ve embraced the path of a freelance illustrator and designer, finding solace and purpose in the creative process. My work spans a diverse range of projects – from editorial illustrations to book covers and packaging designs – each offering a unique opportunity for self-expression and growth. Branding work, too, has become a medium through which I explore identity and connection.

Reflecting on my journey, I’m grateful for the myriad experiences that have shaped my artistic voice. Designing for poker and card games has taught me about the interplay of chance and strategy in life. Crafting postcard art has allowed me to capture fleeting moments and emotions, while editorial pieces have challenged me to visualize complex ideas. Vector illustration, with its precision and adaptability, reminds me of our own capacity to evolve and transform in the face of life’s challenges.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful:

Continuous Learning: As an artist who has grown through dedication rather than innate talent, I’ve come to understand the profound importance of ongoing education. This encompasses both self-study and structured learning in painting and design.

Aesthetic Sensibility: Developing a refined sense of taste and style has been crucial. This isn’t just about technical skills, but about nurturing an eye for quality and innovation in art and design.

Effective Communication: I’ve found that the ability to listen deeply and express ideas clearly is as valuable as any artistic technique I’ve acquired.

For those early in their journey, my advice would be:
First, embrace continuous learning. While self-study forms a foundation, don’t hesitate to explore structured education. Community college courses or online platforms can be excellent, accessible starting points, opening doors to new perspectives and techniques.

Second, to develop your aesthetic sensibility, immerse yourself in the works of accomplished artists. Platforms like Behance and YouTube are treasure troves of inspiration. This isn’t just about admiration—it’s about gradually cultivating your taste, a process far more nuanced than mastering software tools.

Finally, hone your communication skills alongside your technical abilities. Practice articulating your ideas and, equally importantly, listening to feedback and client needs. This skill set is invaluable in translating your artistic vision into successful projects.

Remember, developing these qualities is a lifelong endeavor. It’s not just about advancing your career, but about finding your authentic voice as an artist and connecting meaningfully with others through your work.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Haruki Murakami’s ‘What I Talk About When I Talk About Running’ has been a guiding light in my artistic journey. This memoir, chronicling Murakami’s running experiences from age 33, resonates deeply with my own path as an artist.

Murakami’s recollection of deciding to write a novel at 29 is particularly poignant. His vivid description of that moment – the clear sky, the freshly green lawn, the sound of a baseball – and the feeling of something ‘drifting down from the sky’ speaks to the often inexplicable nature of artistic inspiration. It reminds me that our creative callings can arrive unexpectedly, and we must be open to receiving them.

His challenge to the stereotype of the ‘unhealthy, decadent artist’ struck a chord with me. Murakami’s assertion that ‘even an unsound soul needs a sound body’ has profoundly influenced my approach to creativity. His disciplined lifestyle – running long distances, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule – presents a compelling case for nurturing our physical selves to support our artistic endeavors.

Murakami’s dedication to health as a foundation for creativity has inspired me to reconsider my own habits. I’ve come to see that taking care of myself isn’t separate from my artistic practice – it’s an integral part of it. This book has taught me that the path of an artist isn’t just about the work we produce, but also about the life we lead and the routines we cultivate to support our creative spirits.

In embracing Murakami’s philosophy, I’ve found a new sense of balance and purpose in my artistic journey. It’s a reminder that our art is not separate from our lives, but a reflection of how we choose to live them.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lu-liu.org
• Instagram: @luliu0606
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lu-liu-b89316113

Image Credits

Lu Liu