Meet Yuwei Rita Li | Concept Artist

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

Hi Yuwei Rita, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Drawing and creating fantastical worlds has always been a passion of mine. Since childhood, I have been captivated by the immersive worlds depicted in manga, anime, and video games. Despite lacking formal art training, the sheer joy of sharing my creations has always motivated me. A pivotal moment was in high school when I discovered The Last of Us art book, inspiring me to become a concept artist. Pursuing my dream, I studied Entertainment Design at Art Center College of Design, launching my concept art journey in the United States. Today, I find myself living the dream, working in the realm of game development where I can bring fantasy worlds to life and igniting the imaginations of others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am an artist based in LA, currently working at Obsidian Entertainment, where I primarily focus on designing environment concept art for video games. I specialize in designing environment concepts with a realistic and stylized look, creating concepts for a wide range of themes from fantasy to sci-fi. I enjoy designing environments with a specific mood, whether it’s epic, magical, or dangerous, achieved through lighting and color.

Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and the wonders of nature, I find particular fascination in culture, architecture and surreal environments. There are so many fascinating cultures and landscapes in the world that I may not have the chance to experience firsthand. Whenever I look at pictures of snow-capped mountains, deserts, or iconic landmarks of a city, I wish to see them in person. That’s why I incorporate these elements into my concept art, hoping to visualize the places through video games, movies, or animation, where they can be experienced by everyone.

My work has received recognition in various competitions. I was a runner-up in Creative Quarterly 72 and received the Silver prize in the 2023 ICAD International Contemporary Youth Art Design Competition. Additionally, I have been selected as one of the 20 featured artists at G-Fusion 2023, the largest and most prominent game convention in China. During the exhibition, my artwork titled “Meet” will be showcased from June 10th to June 11th. These achievements are great honors that motivate me to continue working diligently and strive for greater accomplishments in the future.

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?
I would take my friends to K-town for incredible Korean food and explore the diverse culinary scene in downtown LA. I will definitely bring them to my favorite restaurants which are Sung Nong Dan and Izakaya Osen. We would visit the Huntington Library, which holds a special place in my heart with its captivating gardens and impressive gallery. Another must-see stop would be the Getty, where we can see its rich art collections. And of course, as night falls, it will be the best time to visit Griffith Observatory. Throughout the week, we’d also explore local neighborhoods, shops, and coffee spots, immersing ourselves in LA’s dynamic culture.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my amazing classmates and friends from Art Center College of Design. They are an incredibly creative and talented group of individuals. Prior to attending Art Center, At Art Center, we all shared a common dream of becoming artists or designers. This shared passion created a strong sense of community and belonging. We actively exchanged ideas, provided constructive critiques of each other’s work, and frequently supported one another by recommending opportunities. Being a part of this art community was a transformative experience for me, and I am immensely grateful for the support we shared.

Website: https://www.ritaliart.com/

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