Meet Max Liu | Concept Artist & Illustrator

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

Hi Max, why did you pursue a creative career?
My artistic journey started in childhood, fueled by a love for Japanese animes and Hollywood films. I could not resist sketching scenes from them on paper. With my parents’ backing, I turned my art hobby into a career through high school art classes. Delving deeper into the world of artistry during my college years, I discovered the transformative power of digital art—a medium that seamlessly combined my innate artistic sensibility with a rational design process. Career-wise, I set my goal of becoming a professional digital artist and concept designer for the entertainment industry. I still carry my dad’s words from my college days: crafting joy for others holds more value than just reveling in what’s already created.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a hobbyist in art may sound fun for most of us, but getting into the art industry and earning yourself a living through creativity is another matter. In May 2020, I finished my studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York and started looking for concept artist jobs. Times were extremely tough then because of COVID-19: Many game and art studios were facing financial difficulties, resulting in reduced hiring. In this seemingly bleak scenario, securing my first foothold in the industry appeared almost impossible. My only course of action was to continue building my art portfolio and relentlessly send out my resume, alongside thousands of other applicants.

Things seemed to change after one day I found one of my LinkedIn posts highlighting my recent design work that received more than 40k views. People started to message me asking for collaboration, freelance work, or some art help. I was excited as if I had been waiting this time for too long to earn myself a living from my artwork. This marked the beginning of my creative career. In the next year, I got my first full-time job offer from a game studio and now I am working as a concept artist at Ubisoft.

For those who do not know what concept art is: concept arts are visual designs for items, characters, or areas that do not yet exist. I find immense joy in translating the vivid scenes in my mind into visuals that resonate with others. There’s an exhilaration in creating entire worlds from scratch, whether it’s envisioning futuristic cityscapes or fantastical landscapes that transport audiences to new dimensions. In my most recent world-building project, “The Sky Searchers,” I depicted a world where the surface of the earth is shrouded in poisonous gases released by the plants. Survivors seek refuge in the highlands, prompting questions about their existence in this post-apocalyptic environment. How do they navigate? What kind of resources are they looking for? Which form of transportation are they gonna use? I answer these inquiries visually, weaving a narrative that goes beyond words.

I love telling stories through my art, and one project that I’m really proud of is called “Swamp Fear.” It’s a series of 34 digital pictures where I used my painting skills to show the story between an old hunter and a mysterious swamp monster. I put my cinematic painting skills to work, and the whole thing feels like a wild ride. This project represents a significant milestone for me, as it marks my first step in exploring the possibilities of adding a deeper narrative dimension to my concept artwork.

Setting my art apart from others is something I am always pursuing along my creative journey. In a world flooded with millions of artworks thanks to technology, the notion of creating something unprecedented may seem daunting. Yet, I see each of my creations as a unique reflection of my aesthetic and the experiences that shaped me during specific periods. My artworks, in a way, become my distinctive signature, setting me apart from others.

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.
If you’re looking for a New York art experience, I’d recommend hitting up MOMA, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They’re classics for a reason. And if you’re into a more relaxed, modern vibe, we’ve got some fantastic interactive art shows around. Downtown Manhattan is where I found my love for oil painting. Took a few classes there, and it’s been a game-changer. Also, if time allows, consider a nighttime life drawing class. It’s like a serene escape into the world of painting, slowing things down and letting you soak in the beauty.

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?
A heartfelt shout-out to my parents, they are the heroes behind my artistic journey. From encouraging my early doodles to backing my decision to turn a passion into a profession, Their belief in my potential, financial support for art classes, and emotional encouragement during challenging moments have been priceless. My dad is a big fan of literature but took on a job outside his literary love to make sure our family had food on the table. He has been always telling me to chase my dream without holding back. According to him, turning a passion into a lifetime career could be the happiest thing in one’s life.

I’d also love to thank my art instructors and teachers for not just teaching me techniques but for fueling my sparks of inspiration and broadening my horizons. They have shown me that art is more than just what meets the eye—it’s a language, a story, and a journey.

Website: https://www.maxliuwendy.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chong-liu-6b4753169/

Image Credits
All created by Max Liu