Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yue Yu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Yue, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from my unique life experience and intrinsic motivation to pursue my goals. I started playing tennis at the age of six and left my hometown at thirteen to receive professional training in Beijing. Those years as a professional athlete played a crucial role in my development. The intense daily training taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to overcome physical and mental challenges. It wasn’t just about winning races, it was about constantly improving, even when progress felt slow or setbacks seemed overwhelming. This experience has shaped my ability to stay focused and resilient no matter how difficult the situation.
This similar spirit continues to inspire me now as I turn to focus on creating art. Whether on the tennis court or in my creative endeavours, I have always believed that in order to achieve my goals, I must give my all. Art, like sports, requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to learn from failure, and this mindset has become a core part of who I am, and it keeps me going no matter what I am pursuing.
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?
Currently, I am pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Illustration and Graphic Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which is the foundation of my undergraduate studies in Illustration. As an artist and designer from China, I am deeply inspired by history, traditional culture, intangible cultural heritage and handicrafts. These elements not only fascinate me, but are also central themes in many of my works. I find pleasure in telling the stories of these cultural treasures through my artworks and giving them new life through a contemporary perspective.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to use visual language – whether through design or illustration – to convey the essence of a person, a story or even a brand. I believe in the power of art to connect people across time and space, and I want to strive to create work that is not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant. My style of work is often bright and colourful, reflecting the richness and diversity of the world around us. Life is full of colour and I want my work to celebrate this.
I see my art as a way to celebrate the beauty of diversity and the power of storytelling. Whether through an illustration, I hope my work inspires others to appreciate the richness of culture and the endless possibilities for visual expression.
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 think the three qualities that have influenced me the most are hard work, the ability to enjoy the process and accept the results, and humble.
1. I think hard work has been the foundation of everything I have achieved. Whether I was training to become a professional tennis player or now pursuing my passion for art, I have always been willing to put in the effort to achieve my goals. I always use challenges as opportunities to grow. Setting clear goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and if I hit a rough patch, I’ve always found that this tends to be the thing that makes me grow the fastest.
2. I’ve learnt to enjoy the process and accept the results, even if they don’t match expectations.
As an athlete, sometimes I can’t control whether I win or lose a game, but I can control how much I enjoy the process and learn from it. This mentality has carried over into my artwork. I love the creative process – exploring new techniques, experimenting with different colours, and letting the creative process shape the final piece. My advice is to focus less on the end result if you can and more on what you can learn along the way. The process itself is the magic in whatever it is.
3. I think hamble has always been my guiding principle. I am always curious and eager to learn, whether it be from mentors, peers, or even my own mistakes. Being open to feedback and being willing to adapt has helped me grow as an athlete and artist. My advice is to stay curious and never stop learning. Spend more time with people who inspire you, ask more questions, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. Humbleness allows you to see every experience as an opportunity to improve.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I have learnt to seek out the help of others, especially those with more experience, such as my teachers, mentors or parents, which has been invaluable to me. They often have a broader perspective and can provide insights that I may not have considered on my own. However, while I value their input, I also believe that the final decision must be made by me. No one can fully understand my goals, values or the nuances of my environment. Taking ownership of my choices is how I hold myself accountable and achieve personal growth. Whether on the tennis court or in the studio, this balance between seeking guidance and making my own decisions has been a key part of my journey.
My advice to others is to not be afraid to ask for help when you feel lost. Recognise that you don’t have to solve all your problems alone, and at the same time, remember that you are the one who knows best. Use the advice you receive as a tool, but trust your instincts and take responsibility for your own path. It is in this process that we continue to learn, grow, and ultimately become more confident and capable of handling all challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yueyu223.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: @yue_.yu_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yue-yu-3992b3252/
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