Meet Lily Qian | Illustrator

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

Hi Lily, how do you think about risk?
Hi name is Lily Qian. I am a freelance illustrator and adjunct college art professor working in NYC. Many people might not know that Illustration is a self-initiated second career for me. Prior to working as a freelance illustrator, I worked as a womenswear fashion designer, burning the candle on both ends as a design executive for corporate brands. Switching my career in my thirties was a huge risk. Even with a decade of professional working experience in the creative industry, I felt like I was starting from scratch. I always believed the way to find success is being honest with yourself with what you value. Our time is limited, and I want to spend my time drawing, painting, and telling stories through illustration. Every risk and change requires commitment and hard work. I can’t imagine having a rewarding creative career without being disciplined, having patience and faith in oneself, a good attitude, keeping it fun, and be fearless when it comes to risk taking.

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.
I’ve worn a lot of different hats in the creative industry. Today I am a freelance illustrator working in editorial, books/publishing, advertising, fashion, and beauty. I also teach undergrad illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Prior to illustration, I worked as a fashion designer in art departments for major corporate fashion brands in NYC. Every creative field is highly competitive. Starting out in illustration was a slow build. I started out in fashion illustration because that was what I knew and loved. Nowadays I find editorial and book illustration to be the most rewarding. I love the opportunity to dive into diverse interests – literature, arts and culture, politics, etc. I learned that illustration can be a lonely experience if you don’t have an artist community. It’s important to meet and have like-minded creatives around. I also love NYC’s illustration community, and it’s still my favorite city in the whole world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve lived in NYC for over 16 years and I’ve had a lot of fun growing up here. I’d be happy to share a couple of my current favorite places in the city and in Brooklyn – Uncle Lou’s for Peking duck. Karaoke at Winnie’s. All the art museums but especially the Met, Natural History Museum, and Philippe Labaune Gallery. Every neighborhood in Brooklyn has its own charm. I like getting my coffee from neighborhood favorites – Brooklyn Kolache, Cinnamon girl, Pilar Cuban bakery, and Stone Fruit. In the Summer time, you can find me at Prospect park, Rockaway Taco, and Mister Sunday at Nowadays. Lastly, Ping pod for the table tennis nerds.

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?
I’ve lucked out with many great friends who have been supportive of my journey as a creative professional since day one. I’d like to send a quick shout-out to my VCU arts sister, Jessica, who always believed in me. My best friend, illustrator hero, and mentor, Patrick Léger. I’m thankful for all of my childhood friends and new friends who are my inspirations in life.

Website: https://www.lily-qian.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyqian_/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lilyqian_

Image Credits
Photo of Lily Qian, by Nathan Rocky. (rooftop). Studio photo of Lily Qian, by Paul Crispin Quitoriano. (cloud dress).