We had the good fortune of connecting with Abi Bi and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Abi, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
As an illustrator, while it’s essential to continuously improve one’s creative skills and maintain artistic vitality, self-promotion, marketing, and managing client relationships are equally important business skills for freelancers. This requires us to have a diverse skill set and a high level of adaptability, which may not align with the perception of freelancing as being entirely “free.”
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since graduating with a degree in Visual Communication Design from the China Academy of Art, my passion for creating books and writing stories has continually driven me to pursue a career as a picture book author and illustrator. In China, I published five children’s picture books. After that, I moved to the UK to study for a Master’s degree in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, where I graduated with distinction. Studying alongside artists and illustrators from around the world was an inspiring experience. I firmly believe that images have the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, connecting people from different cultural backgrounds.
Moving to a new country comes with unavoidable cultural and language barriers, as well as identity challenges. However, this dual cultural identity has also provided me with a unique creative perspective. For example, during my time studying for a Master’s degree in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, one of the picture books I created titled “Everflowing Path.” This book tells the story of a little paper boat that embarks on a journey into a real river. Through this story, I convey the importance of self-discovery, understanding oneself, accepting differences, and perseverance. This narrative is not only a metaphor for my own experiences but also a message that I hope resonates with readers.
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 love immersing myself in nature, so I would recommend taking a walk along the River Cam, hiking in the Lake District, and visiting the White Cliffs—these are my favorite places in the UK. During the trip, I would also do a lot of sketching, as I’m very interested in exploring stories about the relationship between humans and nature.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
From a young age, I have had a passion for drawing. Throughout my journey as an illustrator, my parents have consistently provided me with immense support and understanding. They encouraged me to pursue the life I wanted, even when it didn’t fully align with their own expectations. For this, I am deeply grateful.
Website: https://www.abibiart.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abi.bi.art/
Image Credits
myself