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

Hi Yuwei, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance because I tend to prioritize my work over other aspects of my life. While I value being responsible and dedicated to my work, I also recognize that this approach can lead to exhaustion due to the lack of balance. One way I’ve found helpful in preventing burnout is to focus on work that I’m passionate about. When I’m engaged in projects that align with my interests and skills, it feels less like a task and more like an enjoyable endeavor. Achieving balance, for me, involves listening to my heart and assessing whether I truly enjoy the tasks I’m working on. I’m passionate about my current projects, but I still make an effort to engage in activities that stimulate my mind and refresh my perspective. For example, while I primarily create digital art during work hours, I make time for traditional painting during my leisure time to step away from screens and even explore new techniques like ceramics painting for example. Additionally, I like to do activities without less thinking into my routine, such as cooking and cleaning. Ultimately, I believe that true balance comes from pursuing activities that bring joy and fulfillment, guided by the desires of the heart!

 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Drawing and sketching have been my passions since childhood, and pursuing a career in design felt like fate. Clients often seek me out for my multidisciplinary approach, which allows me to approach design challenges from unique perspectives and formats. I thrive on combining illustration with motion to breathe life into concepts and tell compelling stories in fresh, engaging ways. However, the path to establishing my art career was not easy. I faced discouragement, with people telling me that artists struggle to make a living and that becoming an artist is not easy. Despite these challenges, I’m grateful that I listened to my heart and pursued my passion for illustration. Studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) solidified my love for creating illustrations, and it was through this exploration that I discovered the broader world of motion graphics. By combining these two mediums, I found new ways of storytelling and expressing myself creatively. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and embrace the creative process, knowing that each challenge brings an opportunity for growth and innovation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just moved to Atlanta! So I didn’t have many places to recommend and I would love to get some recommendations from others :). But I did explore some places that I felt were fun to try! So here they are:

All Fired Up: It’s a ceramic workshop where you can paint or build your own ceramic pieces. After you’re finished, the shop will help you fire the piece and you will get a unique ceramic piece for yourself or a perfect gift for your loved one.

Nam Dae Mun Farmers Market: I was blown away by this market! It has food brands and products from all over the world. As an Asian, I discovered many ingredients and fresh veggies that couldn’t be found in regular grocery stores. If you want to try some new things and new recipes, this farmer’s market is definitely a perfect choice to visit. I will definitely come more often.

And that’s it! Apologies that there aren’t many recommendations, and Atlanta is such an energetic city that I think I will definitely discover more as time goes on!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and things that I would like to give a shoutout to. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to my family and parents, who have always supported me and generously encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Without their unwavering support, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I hope to make them proud. Another pivotal moment in my career journey was when I studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I gained invaluable professional experience in illustration and design. This experience allowed me to grow rapidly and develop my skills, ultimately leading me into the professional design industry. Lastly, I want to give a special shoutout to my close friend Weiqian. Despite being far from home, she has been like family to me, supporting me through many challenges and encouraging me to achieve things I once thought were impossible. I am incredibly grateful for the positive energy that so many people have brought into my life.

Website: https://momoyuwei.com/ILLUSTRATION-2

Instagram: momoyuwei_creative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuwei-liu-113373213/

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