Meet Shitong Lyu

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shitong Lyu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shitong, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

As a designer, I keep my creativity alive by staying curious about the world around me. When I see interesting compositions or details, I capture them through photos and turn them into poster designs as a fun creative exercise.
I also make time for regular figurative sketching. This practice helps me stay connected to the flow of lines and forms while giving me space to explore movement, emotion, and storytelling. Sketching feels both grounding and inspiring—it’s a way to reconnect with the joy of creating.

By staying curious, experimenting, and practicing regularly, I keep my creativity alive and evolving. It’s about embracing the little opportunities to learn and grow, both as a designer and as an artist.

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?

As a graphic designer and illustrator, one of the most rewarding parts of my artistic journey began in the summer of 2023. At the time, I was working full-time at a design agency in Boston, mostly remotely from home. While I appreciated the flexibility, I found myself feeling disconnected from the world and the people around me.

To reestablish this connection, I joined an open street event in Boston and started drawing portraits for people. At first, I was nervous—my introverted nature made it feel like stepping out of my comfort zone—but it quickly turned into a joyful experience. I loved chatting with people, hearing their stories, and collaborating with them to personalize their portraits. Some asked me to include their pets, while others later reached out on social media, asking for companion pieces for their loved ones. These quick sketches felt like they captured more than just physical appearances; but also the energy and overall feelings of the people I met.

Although I remain focused on my graphic design career, this unique experience of live drawing has brought me so much inspiration, as well as a community of new friends and cherished stories. It’s also opened up exciting opportunities for me as an artist—I’ve been invited to work as a live wedding illustrator, sketching guests during these joyful celebrations. Being part of such meaningful moments has been incredibly fulfilling and has become a new and exciting focus in my artistic journey.

If you’re planning a wedding or event and would like to include live portrait illustrations, I would love to collaborate and help create a memorable experience!

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?

1. Start working, not just preparing
For artists, designers, or anyone in a creative field, one of the most important habits is to dive in and start creating. It’s easy to spend too much time preparing or waiting for the “perfect” idea, but real progress happens when you take action. Whether your idea feels brilliant or imperfect, it only becomes meaningful when you bring it to life. Don’t worry about making it flawless—just start. Every step, no matter how small, helps you grow and gets you closer to where you want to be. My advice? Embrace the process and allow yourself to learn by doing.

2. Stay creative, stay active
Creativity doesn’t always show up when you need it, so it’s important to stay active and nurture it regularly. I always keep a sketchbook handy to jot down ideas whenever inspiration strikes—whether it’s a quick sketch, a note, or even just a word. It’s a simple habit, but works so much for me. Over time, this practice has helped me notice and collect little sparks of inspiration everywhere. For anyone just starting, find a system that works for you. It doesn’t have to be a notebook; it could be a phone app or even a whiteboard. The goal is to stay curious and keep your creative energy moving.

3. Have faith in your work
Believing in your own work is so important, especially in today’s world where we’re constantly surrounded by an overwhelming amount of creative content and talented individuals. It can be easy to compare yourself to others, but it’s crucial to remember that your perspective and creativity are uniquely yours—and that’s what makes your work valuable.
Not every project will be perfect, and that’s okay. The key is to trust your vision and keep creating, even if putting your work out there feels intimidating at first.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

Creativity-wise, I believe it’s better to focus on your strengths rather than trying to develop every skill equally. We only have so much time and energy, and in the creative field, excelling in one area can often be enough to make you stand out.

For example, my drawing style is loose and relaxed—a reflection of how I naturally create. There were times when I tried to learn digital illustration techniques that focused heavily on perspective and realism. While I invested a lot of effort, it didn’t align with my artistic instincts, and the process felt forced. I realized that instead of trying to master every style, it was more valuable to refine my own unique approach. That said, taking inspiration from various styles is always a great way to expand your perspective and grow as an artist.

On the other hand, when it comes to daily life and work, I think it’s important to step out of your comfort zone and embrace opportunities to improve in areas where you might not feel as strong. While creativity thrives on focusing on your strengths, personal growth often comes from challenging yourself in new ways. Finding a balance between the two can lead to both fulfillment and progress.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shitongart.com/
• Instagram: shitongart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shitong-lyu-a34165230/