This is LULU, a California based illustrator, from Beijing to New York to San Diego.

Two Masters in MFA & MA

Love drawing & teaching & traveling & writing & smiling

When did you start creating? Was there a specific moment or inspiration that led you to it?

There wasn’t a specific moment when I started creating—it happened naturally. I’ve always loved exploring new things and sketching. I constantly find interesting and fun moments in life that inspire me to capture them in my art.

What emotions, messages, or themes do you hope to convey through your work?

Through my work, I hope to convey positivity, a sense of exploration, and love—love for nature, our cities, and the moments that make life special. I want my art to inspire curiosity, joy, and appreciation for the world around us.

What materials, tools, or techniques do you use, and why did you choose them? 

I use traditional Chinese painting materials because of my background in this art form. I studied traditional Chinese painting in college and graduate school, and it's something I take great pride in. Using these materials allows me to honor my heritage and showcase the beauty of our traditional art. However, I combine these materials with modern illustration techniques to create a unique fusion. This approach lets me express contemporary life through the lens of traditional art, bringing a modern perspective to ancient techniques.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your creative journey, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I faced in my creative journey was finding a way to market my art and make a living from it. I think this is a common struggle for many young artists. To overcome it, I focused on staying true to my passion and never compromising on my creative ideas. I took my time, kept honing my skills, and built my confidence. The key was believing in myself and trusting that there would always be an audience who would appreciate my unique style. Staying dedicated and patient allowed me to gradually find those who resonate with my work.

Do you remember your first sale? How did it feel?

Yes, I remember my first commission clearly. It was when I was studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, during my first year. I felt amazing because it was a recognition of my style, and someone actually wanted to pay for it. For a young artist who had just immigrated from another country, it was a huge boost of confidence and encouragement. That moment really made me believe in myself and in my art, and it set the foundation for everything that followed.

Has a customer ever shared a special story or reason for purchasing your work?

Yes, I had a special experience with a French customer who found me on Instagram. She wanted to commission a Chinese painting portrait for her newborn son. I created a piece where her son was climbing on bamboo, surrounded by pandas—symbols of peace and good fortune in Chinese culture. She loved Chinese culture and wanted to bring that into her nursing room with a custom artwork. It was such a joyful experience for me to create something so meaningful for her and her newborn, and it felt incredibly special to be part of such a precious moment in their lives.

Is there a particular piece or product that customers seem to love the most? What makes it special?

One of the pieces that customers seem to love the most is my Bryant Park art. While I wouldn't say it's my absolute favorite, it's definitely one of the most meaningful to me. I lived in Midtown Manhattan for two years, and Bryant Park holds so many personal memories for me—eating lunch there, watching outdoor movies, dating my future husband, ice skating, and shopping at the Winter Village. I poured all those memories and emotions into the piece. I believe so many people also have beautiful memories connected to that park, and I hope my art can help preserve and reflect those special moments for them.

What are your future plans? What do you hope to achieve through your creative business?

I just had my newborn baby boy, and although time is a bit tight right now, I will never give up my art career. In fact, becoming a mom has brought new inspiration, and I’m excited to explore more possibilities in this new chapter of my life. I plan to incorporate more of my experiences as a mom into my art and create pieces that are related to babies and children. It’s a whole new world of creativity, and I’m eager to see how this journey unfolds as I balance both motherhood and my artistic passion.

Are you working on any exciting new projects or collections?

Right now, I’m working on a collection of art pieces for the Year of the Snake, using traditional Chinese painting techniques. Since the Snake is the zodiac for this year, I wanted to continue the tradition of creating artwork for each zodiac year. I'm really glad to see that many customers love this collection and return every year to purchase the new zodiac art prints. It’s become a special part of my creative journey, and I’m excited to see how this tradition evolves with each new year.

Why did you choose to join ZART? How has our platform helped your creative business?

Joining ZART has been a great experience for me. As an artist, I really appreciate having a platform like ZART to showcase and market my art. The selling service is fantastic, and I’ve always received helpful support whenever I have questions.