We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sitong Liu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sitong, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
As a freelance illustrator, I often struggle with self-doubt and insecurity. But I’ve realized that this mindset does nothing to support my artistic growth, so I make a conscious effort to manage it. One effective way has been building my presence on social media. Sharing my work online often brings encouraging feedback, comments, and even commissions. That recognition from an audience directly strengthens my confidence. I also find it valuable to participate in industry competitions—awards provide a more objective and professional measure of one’s skills and progress. Together, these practices not only help me overcome self-doubt but also push me to grow more professionally.
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?
I’m an illustrator who has recently begun focusing on creating educational picture books. Right now, I’m working on a project about rabbit behavior titled The Possibility of Being Killed by Your Bunny is Low but Not Zero. The book hasn’t been published yet, but I’ve already shared it with people in the industry and received encouraging feedback. Until earlier this year, I struggled to find a clear artistic direction. But in that uncertainty, I realized I should pursue what I genuinely love. I have a rabbit of my own, and I want others to better understand these animals. Even in its early stages, this book has sparked interest among readers and given them a more rounded perspective on pet rabbits.
What excites me most about my work is being able to transform what I love into art and build a career around it. When AI started entering the illustration world, I felt uncertain about both the industry and my future. But discovering educational illustration has reignited my passion for what I do. It feels meaningful—because educational art not only allows me to share my love for a subject but also helps readers enjoyably gain knowledge along the way.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I would say the three most important qualities in my journey as a freelancer and small business owner are:
First, self-management. Unlike a traditional 9-to-5 job, freelancing often comes with more uncertainty and anxiety. It can be tempting to avoid challenges by stopping work altogether. That’s why I believe setting daily goals and short-term milestones is crucial—it keeps me moving forward with structure and clarity.
Second, emotional resilience. No matter the industry, we all experience anxiety and burnout. Learning how to manage stress and protect both your mental and physical health is essential if you want to sustain a creative career.
Third, self-driven learning. It’s easy to get stuck in a comfort zone without realizing it—I’ve been there myself. Over time, that stagnation can make you feel like you haven’t achieved much. Now I push myself to keep learning new skills, even if I’m not sure they’ll be useful right away. Building the habit of continuous learning not only prepares you for the unknown but also makes you braver in facing challenges.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
In recent years, I’ve often felt overwhelmed and even panicked when thinking about my career and the future. When that happens, I try to consciously remind myself that this state of mind isn’t productive—it doesn’t generate motivation or progress—so I need to step out of it. I believe a certain level of stress can be useful, but being overloaded is definitely harmful.
My usual strategy is to create a physical break: leaving the house to spend time in a park or another relaxing environment. I also reach out to friends, whether online or in person, or spend more time with my family. After releasing some of that pressure, I always find myself better able to face challenges. To me, these small escapes aren’t avoidance—they’re essential resets that help me return stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sitongliu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlenehtee?igsh=MzN4Z2swb3MxZGR1&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Sitong Liu
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