Meet Yilong Liu | Concept artist & Studio partner & more

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

Hi Yilong, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I think this is a question that many of us young adults will encounter sooner or later in life, especially nowadays when many people are struggling in their careers due to the volatile economy. New technologies and industry cycles will impact many industries, making it a norm for people to be scared of these changes and give up easily for insignificant failures.

People my age, including myself, are always hasty to achieve something and prove themselves, but it can also be dangerous to be too impatient. Results may not come as fast as before, so it is vital to have the ability to introspect and analyze the situation to make the right choices for long-term goals.

I believe the most important aspect is to be patient and open to different opportunities. You may think that by the age of 24, at just 19, you will be a product designer, and therefore, you reject other nearby opportunities. However, this is unrealistic, as no one knows what their future will be like in their early 20s. You may need to explore multiple options simultaneously. Be patient and try different things that align with your interests and strengths. Eventually, you’ll find a clear answer on whether to continue or let go in the future, as one endeavor may turn out to be more successful than others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I believe art and design are much more complex than people typically perceive, especially in the entertainment industry. Personally, I prefer to begin by understanding or establishing the aesthetic for projects, and then observing how it enhances world-building and user experience. Pursuing a creative role is no easy task; even on the business side, constantly generating and documenting new ideas is the norm. One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is to avoid laziness; while honing my skill sets is essential, I mustn’t overlook aspects like networking and self-promotion. Partnering with Chai Art Studios provides a wonderful opportunity to nurture and leverage my creative abilities in developing the brand.

I still vividly remember my second year of college when I was juggling schoolwork, building my personal portfolio, and handling studio responsibilities. Striking a balance between these commitments proved challenging, leading me to spend prolonged periods confined to my room, which had a considerable negative impact on me. Failing to manage my schedule and becoming a complete workaholic jeopardized my professional life and career, as it isolated me from friends and deprived me of solace. Fortunately, my friends helped me break free from this cycle and showed me the importance of maintaining a balanced schedule, which hugely helped my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a food enthusiast, I can confidently say that Los Angeles is a true melting pot of diverse cuisines from around the world. Whether it’s authentic Mexican, Korean, or Chinese dishes, you can find hidden gems in various corners of this remarkable city. For a great culinary adventure, I highly recommend exploring K Town and Little Tokyo, where you’ll be spoiled for choice with a wide range of restaurants. If you’re craving authentic Chinese food, Alhambra is the place to be.

On the art front, Los Angeles boasts some of the finest museums and exhibitions. The Getty is a must-visit, offering an astounding collection, while museums around UCLA and Pasadena showcase inspiring contemporary art. For those working in the entertainment design industry, I strongly suggest checking out the Light Box Exhibition, where you’ll have the chance to meet exceptionally talented and intriguing individuals.

However, let me be honest – Los Angeles has much more to offer beyond food and art. Everyone I know tends to gravitate towards different places that resonate with them the most, and that’s the beauty of this incredible city. With its diverse neighborhoods and unique attractions, everyone can find their own special place to connect with and embrace the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Although I am still on my journey, I could not have reached this point without the support of my school, Otis College of Art and Design, my friends, my colleagues, and especially my parents, who have been there for me at all times as mentors and providing unconditional love. I would also like to thank Shouout La and my friend Vincent Wu for giving me this opportunity. The support you guys provided has been tremendous, and I promise to everyone who helped me along the way that I will also offer help and support to others, just as you did for me. I will never forget these acts of kindness.

Website: https://www.artstation.com/bukkoro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_liu2997/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yilong-liu-7929aa243/

Image Credits
Bao Huang, Harry Pon, Yanping Liao