Thinking in Multiple Dimensions: Interview with Illustrator and Motion Media Designer Yuwei Liu
Yuwei Liu is an illustrator and motion media designer whose work blends a deep appreciation for everyday beauty with the rich influences of her Chinese heritage. career is marked by a continuous drive to explore new creative horizons. Whether in commercial projects or personal explorations, she is dedicated to pushing boundaries and finding inspiration in every facet of life. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of cultural identity, and the endless possibilities that arise when passion meets creativity.
What are your earliest memories of art?
My earliest memories of art go back to when I was about five years old. My parents and I lived in their first apartment, and they bought me all kinds of art materials—pencils, colored pens, and anything that would let me create. Like most kids, I loved to draw anywhere I could, and soon, I started doodling on the walls of our living room. Instead of stopping me, my parents were happy that I was expressing myself. They encouraged me to draw more, so I did! That wall became my personal creative space, and every time we had guests, my parents would proudly show off my "art gallery." I still cherish that memory—it was the start of my creative journey.
How would you say your creative talent developed throughout your years at SCAD?
I first entered SCAD as a Graphic Design MA student. After two quarters, I decided to add Illustration as my second major. While I loved design, I found illustration to be my true creative space. SCAD also allowed us to explore different fields through electives, and my friends recommended Motion Media to me. At first, I had no idea what it was, but after seeing some incredible student projects, I decided to give it a try—and I absolutely loved it! Motion Media let me bring my illustrations to life, combining storytelling with movement. During my time at SCAD, I realized that creativity is fluid. I had the opportunity to merge what I learned from Graphic Design, Illustration, and Motion Media, shaping my ability to think in multiple dimensions. This interdisciplinary approach not only strengthened my technical skills but also expanded my creative mindset. It allowed me to experiment, push boundaries, and integrate different elements into my work in ways I hadn’t imagined before.
Describe your illustration style and tell us how you developed your creative voice.
Coming from a design background, my approach to illustration has always been influenced by composition, concept development, and visual structure. But in the beginning, I struggled with confidence. I admired so many amazing illustrators and wanted to be like them, which led me to experiment with different styles. However, instead of finding my voice, I felt lost, constantly shifting between influences without a clear direction. For a long time, I questioned what kind of illustrator I wanted to be and what kind of work I truly wanted to create. I was so focused on imitating others that I lost sight of my own passion. Eventually, I asked myself: What do I really love to create? That shift in mindset helped me start expressing myself more boldly. Transitioning from graphic design to illustration didn’t mean abandoning my design sensibilities—instead, I embraced them as a key part of my creative identity. Now, I focus on capturing small, everyday moments—the little joys that make life special. I see myself as an observer, always noticing the subtle details that others might overlook. Through my illustrations, I want to share those simple yet delightful moments that bring warmth and happiness to everyday life.
What have been some of your most exciting creative projects to date?
One of my most exciting projects was my reinterpretation of Little Red Riding Hood, which won the prestigious Communication Arts Award of Excellence. This piece allowed me to blend childhood nostalgia with a modern visual language, creating something that felt both timeless and contemporary. For me, fairy tales are more than just stories from the past—they are living narratives that can be rediscovered by new generations. Another significant project was my work on the Deel visual rebranding. I had the opportunity to redefine Deel’s illustration style, helping to establish a unique and recognizable visual identity. By integrating illustrations into Deel’s brand system, I contributed to creating a more engaging and user-friendly experience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to creativity and innovation. I also have fond memories from my time at SCAD, particularly when I participated in the SCADpro project. We worked with a local Japanese restaurant in Savannah to create a mural—my first experience using a wall as a medium. The challenge was adapting my style to fit the client’s preference for traditional Japanese illustration, which pushed me to explore new techniques and storytelling methods. Each of these projects has helped me grow as a multidisciplinary illustrator, constantly evolving and expanding my creative approach.
Artists have the unique ability to translate words and ideas into images. What is your particular process for doing this for your projects and clients?
My process starts by carefully analyzing the client’s brief and identifying key words or phrases that spark creative ideas. From there, I brainstorm and sketch out a variety of visual possibilities, focusing on concept development rather than refinement at this stage. I aim to generate as many ideas as possible, allowing space for unexpected and innovative solutions. Once I have a range of rough sketches, I narrow them down to three strong concepts and refine them, adding more details and structure. I then present these refined drafts to the client, who selects the final direction. From there, I further develop and finalize the illustration, ensuring that it aligns with their vision while incorporating my personal artistic touch.
What would you say is your greatest achievement in your career thus far? What milestone or accomplishment would you like to reach next?
One of my greatest achievements in my illustration career was receiving the Award of Excellence in the Communication Arts 66th Annual Illustration Competition. It was a huge encouragement and validation of my work, pushing me to keep growing and refining my artistic voice. Looking ahead, I want to gain more recognition within the industry and experiment with more mixed-media approaches. As a full-time illustrator and motion media designer, I’ve had the opportunity to work on major projects, including Deel’s visual rebrand campaigns and integrating illustrations and animations into Deel’s products to enhance user experience. I hope to continue expanding my creative reach, exploring new techniques, and bringing my illustrations to life in innovative ways.
Do you have one piece of advice for aspiring illustrators that you can share?
Listen to your inner voice and create work that truly excites you. You are your best source of inspiration, and your unique perspective is what makes your art special. If you ever feel uncertain about your style, just keep drawing. The more you create, the closer you’ll get to finding your own artistic voice.
By Alicia Puig