a deeper dig of jiayue li
08.16.25


To put it bluntly, Jiayue Li is an unapologetic experimenter. Through her illustrations and graphic designs, she continuously pushes creative boundaries and expectations not just from others, but from herself. Her work is defined not by a single style but by an evolving exploration of form, texture, and visual narrative making her difficult to categorize, yet unmistakable as an artist who thrives on discovery. There are numerous of inspirations she uses when creating work that ranges from music down to specifics such as 3D animations.

It’s that form of experimentation that has given her the opportunites to craft distinctive designs for brands such as Coconut Cult, Museum of Illusions, Pfizer, Vultur, Lex, and more. Her creative process is a huge focal point for exploration and iteration, each of her projects is approached as an opportunity to question, refine, and evolve. With a meticulous attention to detail and a strong conceptual foundation, she ensures that every visual element serves a purpose, creating work that is not only visually engaging but strategically thoughtful.

In Episode 33, we explore into her creative process, focusing on the methods, mindset, and motivations that shape her work. We also focus on her transition from New York to San Francisco, and how that shift in environment and energy influenced her artistic direction. The conversation also highlights the deeper significance of her art, revealing how her designs go beyond aesthetics to reflect personal growth, cultural perspective, and a commitment to innovation. We also brought our own layer of attention to detail, shifting the deeper dig to more exploration to emphasize the unique atmosphere and environments shaped by San Francisco’s signature fog. The moody visuals and ambient textures were thoughtfully captured by Tony Holman, adding a cinematic depth that mirrors the introspective tone of the episode.

There’s a quiet beauty in her work, one that lies in her ability to craft compelling narratives within each of her graphics and illustrations. Her visual storytelling is both intentional and inviting, drawing viewers into layered worlds that feel personal yet universally resonant. From her recent illustration for The New York Times Book Review to her personal projects Twist, Butterfly Kiss, Black Pearls, and beyond, she continues to create work that is not only visually striking but emotionally present, art that welcomes you in and stays with you long after.