Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Manman Li. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Manman, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
That’s a solid question. 2023 is kind of a big deal for me – a year filled with major life decisions like picking my career path and balancing family and work stuff. Decisions are never a walk in the park because you’re always looking ahead and second-guessing. So, how did I make decisions that won’t totally mess things up? The trick is to get clear on my purpose again.
Know exactly what you want and the kind of person you want to be. One trick I use is asking myself, “Where do I see myself in 10 years?” I visualize the type of home I wake up in, the view beyond my window, whether I commute to work at 9:00 or work from home, the presence and location of my family, the company they keep, the meals I enjoy, and the nature of my work.
The more specific and detailed the vision, the better. If possible, jotting down these thoughts on paper can further solidify the exercise. Engaging in this practice helps me identify my long-term goals. Subsequently, when faced with choices, I evaluate them in the context of whether they align with the life I envision for myself in a decade. While no choice is flawless, this method guides me towards a life that aligns with my aspirations.
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 young female digital artist based in New York City. I graduated from the Pratt Institute with a master’s degree in digital arts last year. My main focus is on interactive art and new media—fields that allow the convergence of virtual and real experiences. I find these areas not only interesting but also delve deep into researching them. Through my artistic creations and design language, my aim is to provide people with unprecedented, delightful experiences.
My interactive installations have been featured in three New York exhibitions, and concurrently, I work as a product designer at a company. Being both an artist and a designer brings me a profound sense of happiness. Designing enables me to feel that my creations are actively influencing and improving people’s lives. Receiving feedback from users is incredibly gratifying. When engaged in artistic endeavors, I experience a sense of joy and relaxation, akin to meditation. Being able to share these positive experiences with a broader audience through my artwork is not only gratifying but also a source of great happiness.
At the moment, I’m in the process of planning my second set of NFT illustrations.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe that in the fields of art and design, the three most crucial things are the ability to tell a story, empathy, and relentless effort.
Telling a story may seem straightforward—our childhoods were shaped by countless beautiful fairy tales, and our lives are filled with interesting stories that we share every day. However, conveying a story clearly, making it engaging, and moving people is not as easy as it sounds. As a designer, when you’re preparing to narrate your projects during an interview, it’s essential to think about how to make the story captivating while showcasing your talent and skills. My advice is to practice, practice, and practice. Share the story with your peers, friends, gather feedback, continuously refine it, and consider adding twists, contradictions, and suspense to make it more compelling.
The second key aspect is empathy. When you’re designing, you must always remember to put yourself in the user’s shoes, fully understanding their needs to create a product that genuinely addresses their problems. People are always more complex and diverse than you might imagine.
Lastly, there’s the relentless perseverance in art and design. When creating artwork, don’t focus on whether it will bring you profit or gain popularity. Instead, immerse yourself wholeheartedly in artistic creation and expression. Don’t hastily to give up creating art just because it doesn’t sell or fails to garner appreciation. The same principle holds true for design – creating exceptional designs involves continuous iteration based on user feedback. While much of this feedback may be critical, it’s indispensable for achieving outstanding design.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
Answering this question is always a challenge, and despite having encountered it before, I still haven’t come up with a response that fully satisfies me – and that’s what makes it interesting. My take on it is this: if you find something you excel at or are deeply passionate about, invest more time in it because your love and proficiency will lead to a continuous flow of surprises. It’s like entering an endless positive loop where you progressively become better.
Additionally, a field is interconnected in more ways than you might realize. Let me share an example from a friend of mine. Currently overseeing three companies – an architectural design firm, a strategic design company, and an interior design company – in her early 30s, she started as an ordinary interior designer right after graduating from college. Fueled by passion and talent, she established her own interior design company at the age of 27. While working in interior design, she naturally delved into architectural design, investing time in studying and practicing. Despite not undergoing a formal architectural education, she became an experienced architect.
Expanding her horizons, she founded an architectural firm. Through managing numerous large-scale architectural projects, she recognized that many firms lacked a clear vision. Consequently, she set up a design strategy consulting firm to assist clients in building their brands. All these diverse disciplines seamlessly integrate within the design field. As you delve deeper into one area, you’ll find that doors naturally open for you in other fields.
If you haven’t discovered your passion and talent yet, keep exploring. I recommend you to have a stable financial foundation, it becomes easier and less stressful to search for your true calling. Discovering your passion is a gradual process, and although it may not happen overnight, once you find it, you’ll realize you have limitless potential!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://manmanlee.com
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/manmanli
Image Credits
Details of installation, 2022, ManmanLi
