Meet Zhen Liu

We were lucky to catch up with Zhen Liu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Zhen, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I’ve faced many challenges in my career as an illustrator, including multiple rejections and the difficulty of breaking into the “professional world”. At times, I felt like giving up, but each setback taught me to adapt and push forward. Instead of seeing rejection as a failure, I’ve learned to view it as a stepping stone. Every ‘no’ has pushed me to refine my skills, improve my portfolio, and keep going. My resilience comes from my deep passion for art and storytelling. I also draw strength from seeing progress, even in small ways—like when I create something I’m proud of or receive positive feedback from someone who connects with my work. Resilience has taught me that persistence and adaptability are key, not just in art but in life. It keeps me motivated to chase my goals, even when the path isn’t always clear.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m an illustrator passionate about creating art that evokes emotion and tells a story. My work blends imagination with real-life experiences, drawing inspiration from nature, travel, and personal moments. Whether through intricate hand-drawn pieces or digital illustrations, I strive to capture a sense of wonder and connection in every piece.

What excites me most about illustration is its ability to transcend language and culture. A single image can spark memories, emotions, or entirely new ideas. I love that my work has the power to transport people—to make them feel something personal while still being universally relatable.

Right now, I’m focusing on expanding my portfolio and exploring new creative avenues. I’m also working on a project that’s close to my heart, which I hope to share soon. In the meantime, I continue to push my artistic boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and connect with others who share a love for visual storytelling.

I hope my work resonates with people in a meaningful way.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three Most Impactful Qualities in My Journey
1. Resilience & Perseverance
The creative journey is full of ups and downs—rejections, self-doubt, and moments where progress feels slow. What kept me going was the ability to push forward despite setbacks. Resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges; it’s about learning from them.

A mentor of mine once told me, “If you want to do art, you gotta have much more resilience than you have now.” That stuck with me. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what he meant, but over the years, I’ve come to understand that resilience isn’t just about talent—it’s about showing up, improving, and not letting obstacles define your path.

2. Continuous Learning & Adaptability
The art and design world is constantly evolving, and staying curious has been key. Whether it’s mastering new techniques, experimenting with styles, or adapting to different tools and trends, being open to learning has helped me improve and stay inspired. Growth comes from stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing change.

3. Authenticity & Storytelling
Art is most powerful when it’s personal. Early on, I struggled with trying to fit into certain trends or expectations. Over time, I realized that the most meaningful work, comes from being authentic and telling stories that matter to me. When we create from a place of truth, our work resonates more deeply with others.

Final Thoughts
Rejection is not a sign to stop—it’s fuel to refine our craft. Keep creating, keep applying, and keep sharing your work. Growth happens in the moments when we refuse to give up.

Stay patient, embrace the process, and surround with people who inspire and uplift us. The road isn’t always linear, but every step, every sketch, and every lesson learned brings us closer to where you want to be.

Never stop learning. Take courses, seek mentorship, and explore new techniques. The more we push ourselves to grow, the stronger our artistic voice becomes.

And most importantly—embrace your unique perspective. Whether it’s your experiences, culture, or emotions, infuse them into your work. Authenticity is what sets you apart and makes your art truly resonate.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to trust myself—both as an artist and as an individual. I’ve always been passionate about illustration, but I’ve constantly struggled with self-doubt, questioning whether my work was good enough or if I was on the right path.

In the past 12 months, I’ve pushed myself to embrace imperfection and put my work out there without overthinking it. I’ve realized that growth comes from action, not from waiting for the “perfect” moment. Whether it’s refining my artistic style, experimenting with new techniques, or putting myself in challenging situations, I’ve become more confident in my ability to evolve and adapt.

Beyond art, I’ve also learned to manage stress more effectively. Instead of letting anxiety take over, I’ve found ways to reset—whether through sports like snowboarding and horseback riding or simply stepping away to recharge.

This year has been about stepping into my potential, letting go of unnecessary fears, and embracing the process rather than obsessing over the outcome. And honestly, I feel more inspired and excited for what’s next than ever before.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Zhen Liu

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