We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lora Qiu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lora below.
Lora, 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 think my purpose comes together by checking out people who I think are pretty cool and figuring out how that fits with who I am. When I’m trying to nail down my purpose, I’m all about trying stuff out. It’s like, by doing things, I get a handle on what vibes with me, what makes me feel fulfilled, and what I’m not really into. Mixing that self-awareness with my actual experiences and what I hope to achieve gives me a clearer idea of my purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an undergraduate illustration student about to graduate from China. I focus on children’s illustration, and I enjoy combining traditional media with digital in my work. This was a significant experiment I started last year, and so far, I find that I prefer this approach. Meanwhile, I have been studying printmaking, exploring various printmaking techniques, which has provided me with a deeper understanding of traditional craftsmanship. In the future, I plan to continue experimenting with the combination of traditional and digital media in my artistic expression. I hope those who appreciate my work can stay tuned for more.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities: “Daring to try new things,” “Acceptance,” and “Contentment.” Daring to try new things signifies stepping out of one’s comfort zone, as new experiences bring different perspectives. Acceptance means embracing oneself, whether it’s the positive or less favorable aspects. Contentment is the ability to often find satisfaction in the present self, this is a self-sufficient capacity for happiness.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I feel that on the artistic journey, my professors have been incredibly helpful. They have provided inspiration when I was confused and sincere encouragement when I felt insecure. I remember a conversation with one of my professors about my career plans. I expressed my search for my artistic style, mentioning that I felt I didn’t have one yet. She responded by saying that I already have my unique style; what I’m looking for is a style that suits the commercial world, but my personal style has always been there. Later, when I discussed my shortcomings in illustration and mentioned areas I felt I needed to work harder on, she advised me that, instead of focusing solely on effort, I need more confidence. Many of her words have given me strength and inspiration. Growing up in Asia, I received more criticism than praise, perhaps due to the educational approach in the region. However, after coming to the United States, hearing professors acknowledge my works has been touching and has given me more strength.
Contact Info:
- Website: loraillu.art
- Instagram: loart00
- Other: email: IllustratorLora@gmail.com
Image Credits
©Lora Qiu 2024
