Meet Joanna Li

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

Hi Joanna, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My purpose is simple and maybe a little cliché—I just want to bring joy and encouragement to more people. I think what kids consume is really important, the kind of media they grow up with shapes who they become. I’d love to contribute to the part that hopefully helps them grow into better people. I was completely immersed in comics, animation, anime, and TV shows as a kid, and they had such a big impact on me. Now, I want to create something that does the same for others.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hi, My name is Joanna, I’m a character designer and illustrator with a deep passion for storytelling. I channel my lifelong love for comics, animation, and TV shows into creating engaging visuals and characters that spark the imagination. I thrive on exploring new creative techniques and collaborating with diverse teams, which keeps my work fresh and evolving.

What excites me the most is seeing people happy when they see my work. There’s something really special about creating art that resonates with others, whether it brings them joy, comfort, or inspiration. Right now, I’m helping out on films and volunteering for the superhero project, which has been an incredible experience. It’s been amazing to contribute to projects that have a meaningful impact while continuing to grow as an artist.

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

Looking back, I think the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been overcoming failure, persistence, and not being afraid to ask for help. I’m still working on all of these—I wouldn’t say I’m an expert—but especially in today’s economy, it’s essential not to be beaten down by failure, rejection, or judgment. It’s important to keep going with a relatively clear mind and stay focused on what you’re trying to achieve.

Another thing I’ve learned is that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Getting genuine advice from others, even when it’s not what you wanted to hear, can give you a fresh perspective and help you grow. It’s easy to get stuck in your own head, so reaching out to others can be really valuable.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I go for a walk—and if possible, I try to get as close to water as I can. Rivers, lakes, and the ocean really calm me down. I don’t know if it works for everyone, but for me, just being near water helps me reset.

Sometimes, just reminding myself how small I am in the grand scheme of things helps put everything in perspective. I also make sure to breathe in, breathe out, eat a good meal, and talk to people. These all sound like simple, obvious things, but they really do work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joannali.com/
• Instagram: @joannali100
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-li-art
• Other: https://www.artstation.com/ninoj0920

Image Credits

Personal Photo: Nine Zhao