Meet Michelle Li

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

Hi Michelle, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’m not entirely sure why I chose a creative career, but I think it was the ability to communicate with people in a way other than words that interested me. I have always struggled with verbal communication, but I felt like I could try to say something meaningful visually that was important to me. My art offers a way for me to show those emotions, ideas, and stories, and I found that very compelling. It provided a way for me to connect with others and share my perspective in a way that felt natural and fulfilling. I love getting obsessed about the little details in a piece and waking up in the morning excited about what I have to draw that day. There’s so much in my creative process that excites me, and sometimes that feels more precious than any other path I could have taken. In the end, I’m glad I chose to pursue my passions rather than money or security to avoid future regret.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Visually, my work is often inspired by patterns, the natural world, and collecting things. I loved collecting stickers and scavenging for things on walks as a kid, and that carries into how I view and create images, sometimes treating elements like drag-and-drop items in a game. I’ve been trying to figure out how to combine this with my love of more twisted themes, which has been challenging for me to find balance.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is the importance of persistence and staying true to your vision. I have learned not to force too much control over what I create and to let my materials and hands work on their own. I think I tend to get too much into the details, and it’s really hard to break out of my hyperfocus to take a step back. I think I’m most proud when I flip back through my sketchbooks and see how my art changes over time and what I was thinking back then. I’ve learned to manage my expectations, viewing myself as a vessel for ideas to take form. I really like to communicate moments and things that often go unnoticed when you’re busy living. The ephemerality of life is really beautiful, and I am always chasing to capture that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think anyone visiting Michigan should definitely experience the lakes- there’s many beautiful beaches. I’d suggest exploring Ann Arbor, where you can enjoy observatories, art museums, studios, and local fairs. I really love Middle eastern food, and there’s a lot of options in Detroit and the surrounding suburbs. I love taking walks at Cranbrook Garden and biking in the evening or at night during the summer, when the air cools down. Also, many cities don’t have fireflies, and seeing them here at night can be a magical experience. For more adventure, I’d go kayaking near a park or lake and bring along bikes or roller skates to enjoy with friends. For natural beauty, visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes is a fantastic choice.

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?
My family has always supported me financially and encouraged me to pursue art and opportunities. Spending time with them also brings inspiration for my sketches and silly ideas I have. The weird, scary, and decrepit folktales and fairy tales I’ve read growing up have definitely shaped me and the things I create. I’ve always been a little too obsessed with horror stories and tragedies, and I’m drawn to weird and uncanny imagery, which I like to reflect in the stories that I draw. Growing up in suburban Michigan has also drawn me to the natural world, and reflecting that beauty into what I draw. Lastly, my drawing teachers at home and at the School of Visual Arts have been invaluable. My drawings wouldn’t be where they are today without their guidance and mentorship.

Website: https://micheelili.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheelili/