Meet Songyu Liu

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Songyu Liu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Songyu, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

As a concept artist, I’ve always felt this pressure to be original — like every design has to be completely fresh. But the truth is, design and taste come from what we’ve seen and experienced, so reusing elements sometimes just happens.

I try to push myself to bring in new, interesting ideas, often drawing from my own life to make the work feel personal but still relatable. That balance isn’t easy. Elements do get reused sometimes, but I make sure I understand what I’m using and why. Even if it’s not 100% new, it’s still 100% mine.

That mindset helps me deal with imposter syndrome — instead of getting stuck in self-doubt, I focus on being intentional and honest with myself about the work. I try to stay open to new experiences and emotions, and let those shape my creative voice. If I know I’ve truly put in my thoughts and effort, I can own the work — no matter the outcome.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a concept artist working in the video game industry. What draws me to games, more than any other medium, is their unique interactivity and their ability to carry complex ideas, cultures, and emotional experiences. I’m passionate about contributing — in my own small way — to pushing the industry forward, and hopefully bringing something fresh to both games and the broader world of entertainment.

One thing I care deeply about is developing my own visual voice. In an industry often dominated by cyberpunk, steampunk, and high fantasy aesthetics, I aim to bring a different flavor. My personal design work draws inspiration from vintage computing, space exploration, and industrial design — elements that evoke a sense of nostalgia, curiosity, and tactile realism. By weaving these into my work, I hope to awaken players’ imaginations in new ways and offer a break from overly familiar styles.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been curiosity, individuality, and a passion for life.

Curiosity and individuality give you a solid foundation — they help you stay grounded and true to yourself in both design and life. As a concept artist, being able to form your own perspective and judgment is essential. You can’t just follow trends blindly; developing your own voice takes time, reflection, and the courage to trust yourself.

The third quality — a passion for life — is what keeps you going. It helps you recharge when things get tough and fuels your creativity when you’re feeling stuck. Staying engaged with the world around you brings fresh energy into your work.

For those just starting out, my advice would be: whenever you can, experience more, reflect more. Stay curious, stay open, and don’t be afraid to explore — both in your work and in life.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause. I try to step back and quiet my mind. I remind myself to zoom out — life is long, and whatever I’m going through right now, good or bad, will eventually pass. It’s just one small moment in a much bigger journey.

That perspective helps me breathe again. And then I tell myself: if things are going to pass anyway, why not do what I can to steer them in a better direction? Choosing to keep going, to give my best in the moment — that in itself can start to change the outcome.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Songyu Liu(Self)

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