Yuke Li

Specialized in Design.

Yuke Li

About Yuke Li

Yuke Li is an author-illustrator based in New York City. She believe the simplest thing is the best thing. That is why she dive herself into this imaginary and prospective industry, an industry communicate with visual language. Here she find herself a fish in the water. Here she can dream big and see further.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Yuke Li

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
Everything began with doodling. I guess that's the way introvert people express themselves, and when you get started, it's harder to let go. Creating makes me feel energetic and powerful. I guess that is why I choose my career. to feel alive.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
I started my illustration and design studio about seven years ago. I was focusing on magazines and publications more. Now they still a big part of my career. Also I am curious about advertisement industry.
What is "design" for you?
"Design" is a visual language which easy to understand, and it also has emotions itself.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I always like MUJI. About those products on shelf, I feel they belong to me, and I want to take them home.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Watercolor. I like the accident created by traditional materials.
When do you feel the most creative?
When I see other creative people's works, I always feel inspired by others. No matter it is a drawing, a movie, or a great package.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
A design will magnify the idea, so first we should be careful of what we are doing. Second, have a faith and do something helpful and genuine.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
"Design" is going to be everywhere, every details, and one day "design" will be our subconscious. At that time, it will be easier to get start as a designer, but harder to be a good one.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
I had several group exhibitions before, but not solo one. There will be a group showing for Illustration Program this fall, and I am thinking of doing a solo exhibition early next year.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I was inspired by other artist's works and animals very often. Sometimes my head is empty, sometimes I feel I need a pair of extra hands, so I can get things down. I used Instagram for inspiration a lot.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
Fun, experimental, line works. My main characteristics for WONDERFUL PICNIC is line or fox. I explored line, this element a little bit in this project. I always think that if one says "no", means rejection, and if one says nothing, sometime it also means "no". So what you said is important as what you didn't say. The same rules applies to design.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
I live in New York City now. It is the best place for artist. Everybody's background is different here, and every difference is appreciated. You have to be very competitive, but this place brings the best of me.
How do you work with companies?
When I work with another person, time always matters. Everyone follow the schedule, then nothing goes wrong.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Being a good communicator is important on both side. A good company appreciate designer's time and effort; a good designer appreciate every opportunity and be confident about their works.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
I will think about the subject or text first. Then do some experiment for approaches. Different tools speak the different. Remember to talk with people though all the process. Then make your idea into reality step by step.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
I-mac, my bed, a lamp from IKEA, a schedule book I bought from South Korea and my cup.
Can you describe a day in your life?
Usually I get up around 8 AM. Then work the whole day until dinner time. Then work out a little bit. That's a day. During this special time, I like to listen to the news, while I am working.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
You kind of get a cense of beauty, but you will be less tolerant.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Basic drawing skill is need, good eyes and knowledge about softwares.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I use Photoshop a lot. I down loaded a set of watercolor brushes, but most of time I use the basic round brush. Sometimes I use I-pad. Procreate and Adobe Sketch are good to try.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
I have a daily to-do-list. Without it I feel extremely stressful, although I don't always complete everything on it. It's fine, and I will push it to next day.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It really depends on project. It could take less than a day and more than a year.
What was your most important job experience?
I used to work as a illustrator in a comic magazine in China. That's how I started to learned the industry.
Who are some of your clients?
Hope Publishing House, People's Literature Publishing House, CECI, Harper’s Bazaar, Dior, Lamer, Kiehl’s etc.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I have several picture book ideas in my mind. Hopefully I can get them publish next year.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
Both. I was definitely influent by people I worked with, and I explored a lot myself.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I have a book idea about cat. Somehow I think cat is a person, and it will be an interesting project to discuss a personality of a cat.
How can people contact you?
you can contact me by email: yukeliart@gmail.com, or find me on Instagram: @yukeliart

Designer of the Day Interview with Yuke Li

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
As an illustrator,I have worked in this industry for ten years. I have worked with Hope publishing House in China and Clavis Publishing in the US. I also worked with New York University and New York Times for illustration commission.
How did you become a designer?
I always like to spend sometime with myself. Maybe I am doing art therapy myself, and I absorb and changing all the time. That is why I don't think I have a "style", because I have too many of them.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I work both traditionally and digitally. They bring different satisfactions.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
It depends on the work. If it is a sad piece,I feel sad. If it is a happy one, I will be smile.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I moved from a small city in China to New York. So I have to be constantly learning in order to survive. I think learning is a good hobby.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I moved a lot in my previous life time. The good thing is you will get used to changes.The bad thing is you don't always feel safe. So my plan is to find a place I feel safe and settle down. My dream project is the kind of work I feel challenged.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
If you are serious about it, then do some research about the people, the industry before you invest too much in this career.
What is your day to day look like?
I try to make thing as simple as possible. Every day do some sketches, then push every project forward. If I still have sometime left, I will spend sometime for a sun bath.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
You can always get feedbacks from audiences and friends. Good one always get attention and "WOW".
What is your biggest design work?
I have a story that I revised multiple times. I am still doing it. I believe it is an interesting one, but also I don't want to push it too hard. It may be a long project, and it is good to have a long-term project along side.
Who is your favourite designer?
I was influent by a lots of great designer and artist. Our professor in the School of Visual Arts Marshall is one of them. I like his attitude especially, "have some fun". As a creator, you have to enjoy your work before audiences did.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Any one work related to art and design must go to New York City, since all culture are mingled here. You will experience shock and surprise, which is a good thing.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
remain truth to yourself and to your audience is extremely important. Your work will expose your thought, so don't play smart, be smart to be true.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
I work as a volunteer for charity organization from time to time. It is good that I can help people with my own specialty.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
It is a very professional and serious award. It challenged not only one's professional skill, but also your attitude towards your career. I feel honored to be mentioned by the A’ Design Award.

Extended Interview with Yuke Li

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
I came to New York in 2017, and I started my MFA Illustration Program at the School of Visual Arts in 2018.
How did you become a designer?
I take design, drawing as a way of communication. Since you know this language, you want to use more, and the more you use, the more you like.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
It is my own choice. Actually my parents didn't quite understand what is art, what is design. The were worried about my profession at first, but this is my choice, and they supported me at last.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Try different things. Be curious all the time. Gradually you will know yourself more. Then you know how to present the best part and unique part of you.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
Good or great depends on how big the picture you can see for yourself.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Good designs make life easier, or just simply easy to understand.
What is your day to day look like?
I am very much into package design. I love pack gifts myself. When I am packing I can feel the joy of opening it. I am thinking of making a gift box for kids.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
My dream project would definitely be doing something related to wild animals.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Don't lie to yourself. Respect your own feelings. Reject the work if you feel no connections. Work as hard as you can, if you say "yes" to a client.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
There are tons of designer, artist I like. Such as Marshall Arisman, James Jean, Alexandra McQueen, Gareth David.
What is your biggest design work?
I always like MUJI. About those products on shelf, I feel they belong to me, and I want to take them home.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
"Design" is a visual language which easy to understand, and it has emotions itself.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My mother encouraged me a lot. Even though she is not from art industry, she understand me.

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