Meet Yueming Li | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yueming Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yueming, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I hope to connect, express, and communicate with people. My experiences of living abroad have made me realize the existence of barriers posed by oral languages, particularly when translating abstract concepts between different languages. However, I believe that visual language has the power to overcome these barriers. Through creating a captivating atmosphere and conveying emotional expressions in my artworks, I aim to communicate feelings that are often difficult to translate into other languages to audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds. This aspect holds a strong appeal to me, and I have been dedicated to exploring it.

For instance, one of my notable works is the visual novel “Yueming and Victoria,” which portrays the challenges faced by international students in terms of cultural differences and cultural identity. Another example is my illustration series “Auditory Hallucination,” which explores the effects of hallucinations caused by noise on our mental well-being.

My ultimate goal is to assist viewers in finding shared emotional expressions within my artworks, as I believe that expression free from language barriers allows me to establish a deeper connection with my audience. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
A unique aspect of my artistic journey is the “in-between” state I find myself in due to my diverse experiences. Growing up in China and later moving to the United States has allowed me to integrate Eastern and Western approaches into my visual language. This fusion of influences is evident in my work. For example, I often incorporate symbols and metaphors in my illustrations to create atmosphere and narrative, drawing from my childhood experiences of learning Chinese brush painting and exploring its rich imagery. Simultaneously, my painting style is influenced by Western realistic oil painting, where I analyze perspective, colors, light, and shadow.

I am both excited and proud that this combination has not only received positive feedback from audiences but has also gained recognition in various competitions. For instance, “Flowing Moonlight” received an Honorable Mention in the No. 19 3×3 Illustration Awards, while “Flying Birds,” “The Last Goddess,” and “Water Moon” received Merit Awards in the 2022 iJungle Illustration Awards. Additionally, “Eternal Moonlight” was awarded the Merit Award in the 2022 China Illustration Art Yearbook.

However, blending these two expressive approaches and developing my own visual language has been a challenging process. As visual language is the primary means through which I communicate with my audience, I constantly explore myself and my experiences to evoke resonance in viewers. Furthermore, I integrate my life experiences of social issues into my illustrations. One such example is my work “Melting Candles,” which was nominated in the 2021 Hiii Illustration International Competition. This piece metaphorically compares women constrained by societal rules and standards set by men to burning candles, while depicting the male gaze as stagnant water. Drawing from the theme of women’s circumstances in my hometown, I incorporate what I see, hear, and feel in my daily life, creating bridges that enhance my expressive capabilities.

This “in-between” state has brought me abundant inspiration and different perspectives for thinking and expressing. I am committed to continuing my exploration within this state, further refining my visual language, and deepening the impact of my artistic voice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friends were to visit, our time together would be predominantly spent immersing ourselves in the local vintage stores, markets, and street food scenes. These places embody the closest essence of local life, offering vibrant, relaxed, and inspiring atmospheres. We would enjoy strolling through the bustling markets, discovering unique treasures in the vintage stores, and indulging in the delicious array of street food. These experiences would give my friends a genuine taste of the local culture and provide opportunities for us to connect with the city’s vibrant energy.

In addition to our explorations of the local markets and street scenes, we would also dedicate time to visit museums and exhibitions. These cultural institutions hold the history and heritage of the city, serving as the roots of its identity. We would take our time to fully absorb and appreciate the exhibits, observing the artworks, artifacts, and historical narratives. The museums would provide us with insights into the city’s rich past, deepening our understanding of its culture and heritage.

By combining these experiences, we would create a well-rounded itinerary that allows my friends to immerse themselves in the vibrant local life while also delving into the historical and cultural roots of the city. It would be a memorable and enriching journey, where we can appreciate both the dynamic present and the storied past of the city we’re exploring.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my dreams. Despite the physical distance between us due to living abroad, our bond remains strong. Their presence is reflected in the numerous awards and honors I have received, and I am immensely grateful for their love and belief in me.

I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to my teacher, Chinese artist Yanjing Chen. She has played a pivotal role as my guide and mentor throughout my artistic journey, leaving a profound impact on my development as an artist. I began learning to draw and paint under her expert guidance at the tender age of four, and she has been the source of all my fundamental knowledge in the visual arts. From theory to practice, she taught me the art of observation, recording, and depiction. Throughout this process, she encouraged me to explore the delicate balance between logic and emotional expression, rather than relying solely on established painting theories. Even though I eventually left home and ventured abroad, her teachings have continued to greatly influence and shape my personal exploration of artistic expression. I am forever grateful for her guidance and mentorship.

Website: www.yuemingli.art

Instagram: @yueming.art

Twitter: @ym_illustration