Written in partnership with Rofi XinEve Liu, a highly accomplished illustrator and motion designer based in New York, has emerged as a prominent figure in the creative realm. Originating from Changsha, Hunan, her artistic journey began at 18 when she enrolled at the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design. Furthering her studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Eve laid a solid foundation, strategically conducting her flourishing illustration career from the vibrant heart of New York.
Eve’s commitment to pushing visual storytelling boundaries and her adept integration of design elements have earned her widespread acclaim and international awards. Notable platforms like 3×3, AI-AP, Society of Illustrators, London International Creative Competition, and the Lingnan Biennial have recognized her remarkable creations. Characterized by bold color palettes and minimalist graphics, Eve’s works have gained substantial engagement on social platforms, reflecting her robust personal style..
As a celebrated Asian illustrator in New York, Eve seamlessly intertwines contemporary trends with a nuanced reinterpretation of traditional culture. Her artistic prowess has attracted commissions from distinguished brands like UPS, Google, and Nike, actively contributing to the promotion of Asian culture in North America.
Advocating for Diversity: “Different Cultures, Same Drive”
In 2021, amid widespread “Stop Asian Hate” protests, Eve collaborated with UPS to design a distinctive cover for shipping boxes, aimed at supporting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Titled “Different Cultures, Same Drive,” the artwork symbolizes the dynamic Asian community’s unwavering attitude, fostering awareness and empowerment.
In elucidating the thematic underpinnings of the artwork, Eve articulated, “The collisions between contemporary trends and traditional industries frequently elicit my astonishment. I firmly believe in the paramount importance of tradition, particularly in immigrant countries such as the United States. Both the Asian and Asian American communities inherently possess abundant skills, resilience, and pride. My endeavor is to comprehend the nuanced distinctions between these two cultures.”
May, designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, saw Chrome commissioning Eve and four other AAPI artists to create browser theme backgrounds. Eve’s designs, featuring the Chinese crested ibis, kites, and running girls, showcase the rich amalgamation of Asian traditions and modernity, emphasizing individual experiences.
Eve, distinguished as one of the representative artists chosen for this esteemed project, drew inspiration from Asian traditional elements in crafting her designs. The thematic elements encompass illustrations featuring the Chinese crested ibis, kites, running girls, and highlights. These four distinct background illustrations not only reflect the vibrant amalgamation of Asian traditions and modernity but also underscore the individual backgrounds and experiences of each artist.
An intriguing blend of pop culture and traditional styles characterizes Eve’s artwork, particularly evident in the vivid tie-dye patterns set against a simple background. This juxtaposition serves to make Asian fashion youth stand out prominently in the crowd, creating a visually compelling representation of contemporary cultural expressions.
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Nike collaborated with Eve to create an illustration celebrating the impactful influence of AAPI individuals in sports. Incorporating elements of professional sports training and daily running activities, the artwork emphasizes the forward momentum of individuals of Asian descent across diverse fields.
In the course of expanding her collaborations with major brands, Eve has garnered increasing recognition for her portrayal of Asian culture in her artistic endeavors, thereby effectively shedding light on and raising awareness of hate crimes against Asians in North America. Her growing influence on social platforms has resulted in more significant partnerships with major brands and online media outlets, strategically tapping into the youth market.
Expanding Collaborations and Industry Recognition
Eve’s collaborations with major brands extend to Microsoft WorkLab, BenQ, and Starbucks, showcasing her diverse portfolio. Her editorial illustrations for publications like The New Yorker and The Boston Globe, along with her role as lead visual designer at Fashion COSMO, have earned her widespread recognition.
Innovative Personal Style
Eve’s illustration expertise, often mistaken as simplistic, showcases the intricacy of portraying the real world through concise visuals. Developed through years of study and experimentation, her portfolio surprises with diverse color schemes, from popular dopamine hues to black, white, and gray compositions. The concise geometric compositions in Eve’s works gain recognition and enhance graphic variations, creating a three-dimensional effect within her initially flat style. Her exploration into diverse media, including 3D modeling, results in innovative combinations, marking a milestone in her career and contributing to the illustration industry’s evolution. Offline exhibitions like “Borders” offer a unique experience of two-dimensional compositions in three-dimensional space.
Industry Insights: Key Advice for Newcomers from a Renowned Artist
Eve’s role as a guest lecturer at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) goes beyond her artistic career, addressing students’ concerns related to freelancing, self-improvement, communication with brands, and finding individual style. Her systematic courses on cctalk cover practical creative techniques, attracting over 1,000 students and receiving rave reviews.
Involvement in the 2023 “ijungle” Illustration Contest as a U.S. representative underscores Eve’s commitment to discovering outstanding works and emerging artists. Her comprehensive development in the past year, strengthened collaborations with major brands, and impactful contributions to supporting emerging artists have solidified her position in the illustration industry.
As Eve anticipates incorporating motion graphics into her future works, her transition from flat to dynamic illustration represents a significant step in her artistic exploration. With a heightened interest in learning and applying new techniques, Eve continues to influence the trajectory of the illustration industry, promising more exciting creations in the future.
Credit:
Photography
PR: Dundu.n
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