1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m oliVia. And I am from China. I am currently pursuing my MFA in illustration with SCAD. I have been learning art since I was young, and I really enjoy it. I studied fabric design in College. At that time I may consider more about finding a job, so I have chosen design rather than fine art. However, I still want to do more drawing and painting after I graduated from college.
2. You’ve studied textile design for your undergrad, why did you decide to get your master’s in illustration? Why SCAD?
During my time in college, by chance, I got a part-time job doing illustration, so I was a freelance illustrator for a few years, I think learning more about illustration can help my career, also that’s what I am really interested in. I have practiced drawing fundamental skills for so many years, and I have some work experience, so I find that I am lacking in areas like the concept, ideas, creativity, imagination. And you know, China’s educational system is very different from America, where they will pay more attention to creativity rather than just focusing on technique. So based on my skills I should improve my creativity and open my eyes. Then, when I was applying to schools, I got a few offers from London, like royal RCA, and UAL, but they only have one year, for me, I feel it’s too short for study, especially in a foreign country. So I decided to choose SCAD, which has a two-year program in a small beautiful town. I believe I will be able to better focus on my artwork as compared to studying in a big city.
3. What has it been like coming to study in the US? What was the hardest thing? Anything you miss from your home country?
To be honest, there has been so much pressure on me. The financial aspect of things as well as the social aspect. It is very lonely to move to a foreign country without knowing anyone. Everything is different from before. Not being fluent in the language also has held be back from a lot of things. Then the pandemic also makes everything hard, online class feels like self-study, also hard to make friends.
I miss all my friends, family, my dog, and Chinese food! Haha.
4. Are there any skills you have from textile design that have been helpful with your illustrations?
Emmm…. Actually, I also draw a lot in undergrad, mostly for pattern design, we have learned Chinese traditional painting patterns as well as Japanese and European patterns. I also learned about fabric in a more hands-on capacity such as through learning different sewing and embroidery techniques. So I practice more drawing styles also make me interested in texture. I always incorporate different textures and materials in my painting.
5. How do you time manage?
I like to create to-do lists for both my short and long-term goals. From what I need to do every day to what I need to achieve by the end of a quarter. The to-do list helps keep me clear on what needs to be done.
Another thing to better utilize your time is to do things in an efficient manner. And for me, the key to that is focusing on the task at hand. I generally take breaks until I finish my work.
6. How do you stay motivated?
For me, I find pleasure through my work, if you did something you really like you will keep doing it without any pressure. If you did something you don’t like, you should think about how to fix it and solve the problem then you will be happy with your improvement.
7. Any artists you think I should look at for inspiration?
I would recommend Egon Shiele, because he is my favorite artist since I was in high school, especially his drawing, his linework always makes me excited. Those are really amazing line with power that shows energy and emotion. Alexandra Levasseur is another artist I would recommend. she has a very unique style. It is whimsical and incredibly imaginative, every piece of her work is telling a whole story. While her work is not narrative-based, her work still has very strong storytelling, so you doing children’s book illustration maybe could be inspired about a different way to telling a story. Then, the last one is Dinara Mirtalipova, she doing a children’s book, her work is like a fairy tale, really beautiful, cute and detailed. I think you will like it.
8. If you could go back in time what would you tell yourself about having an art career?
I don’t know, I may tell myself do not to worry too much about earning money when I was in high school, should choose what I love as the major. But I don’t regret anything in the past, because the past makes me who I am, even some mistakes help me grow as a person.
9. What are your future goals?
I hope I can be an artist, do what I really love, also have people love my work.
10. Where can people see your work?
Most of my work I will post on my Instagram, via.li_art, and I’m preparing my website recently, also will put the link on Instagram.
To see Via’s work visit her website. Via Li or her Instagram Via.Li_art.
To listen to her interview visit My Creative Life Podcast.
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