Li Zhang

Originally from Jiangsu Province in China, today Li is based in New York. Drawing on a whole range of influences from pop artists like David Hockney through to traditional Chinese painting, she has forged her own individual approach to painting and loves experimenting with perspective and geometry. Li enjoys a challenging brief with unexpected elements to it. With a degree in Illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology, before devoting herself to illustration Li also trained as an engineer. Other influences include poetry, science fiction and architecture.

Approach

Using her own custom brushes as well as traditional ones, Li paints her visual elements and textures for her illustrations by hand. Then she switches to Photoshop to bring together the composition and execute the finer details.

Styles

With their grainy textures and her unique hand, Li’s artworks have a classic illustration feel to them. Her images are free-spirited and colourful with symbolism often driving the visual narrative.

Awards

2019 – Graphic Matters Poster Competition – Infographics – Winner 2019 – iJungle Awards – Self-promotion – Merit 2020 - American Illustration Annual 39 2020 - Communication Arts Illustration Shortlister

Languages

Fluent in English and Mandarin