Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Li.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started off as a teenager just posting traditional art from my sketchbook on Instagram back in 2015. It was a casual place to showcase my art to anyone online. Then through social media, I discovered digital art.
Growing up, I had private art lessons where I was taught strictly traditional mediums of art, such as pencil and oil painting, so digital art was a life changing discovery that really changed my understanding of the ways art could be made and through technology. The possibilities felt limitless. Gradually through practice and experimentation, I developed what I call my “whimsical” art style, focusing on dreamy and nostalgic themes. Throughout the years I was able to meet a lot of other great artists both online and at in-person events who greatly inspired me to always create without being burdened with the outcome being perfect.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a completely smooth road. Like everyone else, I still sometimes have periods of art block and moments of doubt. But my greatest struggle was when I developed carpal tunnel and had to take a year long break from drawing. I plummeted into a spiral of low self-esteem because it was the first time in my life I was unable to do the one thing that I loved the most.
However, that period of time led me to discover other hobbies such as reading, sewing, and making air dry clay crafts! Though I was initially miserable, it was actually a great opportunity for me to reconnect and discover other joys that I wouldn’t have otherwise. It was a good change in pace and reminder on how important it is to take creative breaks and how to make the best of a bad situation.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an independent artist based in Houston with a growing small business both online and at in-person events! I specialize in digital art with a background in illustration and various other craft work as well like bookbinding and clay crafting. I am the most proud of my recent works, because they are centered around whimsical and magical childhood themes that I personally hold dear and I’ve always been drawn to. I’ve had so much fun experimenting with my art every step of the way, embracing my changes. I have a genuine passion for creativity and want to challenge myself, because it’s part of who I am and how I grow through my art.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to be even more interactive with the art community! With more resources for tools and experimenting in different types of mediums, I’m hoping to be able to create bigger and better things beyond just on paper, and really look forward to what awaits me in my artistic journey. A big dream of mine has always been to travel around the world while sharing my love for art with others more. I think it’s such a wonderful way to be able to see new things, meet new people, and overall a healthy way to stay motivationally creative!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://milkteart.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/milkteart
