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

Hi Jianan, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Handling a full-time job and freelancing work on the side is not easy. When I first graduated from school, I poured all my time and energy into work, without weekends and holidays. I had this constant fear that turning down any jobs would mean losing clients and facing a dry spell. However, after about a year, the burnout hit me very hard. I realized that I wasn’t enjoying what I was doing anymore and felt exhausted.

Fortunately, I had mentors and friends whom I could ask for help. They helped me understand that I couldn’t simply function like a machine, especially when it came to creative kind of work. I began incorporating breaks into my routine and focusing on quality time with my loved ones. Not gonna lie, I did lose some clients along that way, but surprisingly, that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Taking a step back allowed me to produce even better work.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is undoubtedly challenging, particularly when the amount of time you invest directly affects your income. However, life isn’t solely about work. Embracing a well-rounded and balanced lifestyle may mean sacrificing some immediate gains, but in the long run, it has helped me forge a more fulfilling career path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From China to the U.S., I’ve spent many years exploring my artistic voice. My work centers around color, texture, and a splash of imagination, to create vibrant and lively illustrations. Adding depth to the two-dimensional realm is a particular focus, bringing my art to life.

During the day, I work as an Art Director. At other times, I work as a freelance illustrator, where I contribute to visual storytelling. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I’ve overcome challenges through persistence and a hunger for improvement.

My art represents my passion, creativity, and dedication. It invites viewers into a world of vivid colors, intricate textures, and boundless imagination. Through my illustrations, I aim to inspire and transport others to a place where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Chinatown in SF!

The food there is just beyond amazing, it also help with the homesickness 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to the incredible mentor, Whitney Sherman (http://www.whitneysherman.com/)!

Whitney holds a special place in my journey as she was my professor during my time at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art). Her mentorship has been truly invaluable. Even after I graduated, she continued to extend her guidance and support in various ways. I am grateful beyond words for her unwavering belief in my abilities.

Without Whitney’s support, my path would have been considerably more challenging. Her expertise, encouragement, and willingness to go the extra mile have made a significant impact on my artistic growth and development.

Website: jiananliu.com

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

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