CH.89: If you were to categorize or describe the style of your artwork, what would it be and why?
LL: I would describe my style as rational and logical, but at the same time emotional. My experience in psychology might contribute to it since it’s a science that analyzes and sort of manipulates human feelings.
CH.89: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
LL: I get inspiration from literature and films the most. Literature shows the complexity of human nature while films show how color, composition, and cinematography can engage audiences to get to a certain emotion.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about what your creative thought process is like when starting a new project/ piece of artwork?
LL: I mentally write a review for a specific topic in my head, and capture the keywords of my feelings. After that, I will do some color sketches to build up the proper atmosphere and emotion for the image. Basically, I won’t start drawing until I can imagine a clear final stage of the illustration in my head, which makes my actual drawing process quite fast.
CH.89: Is there anything in particular that you would want people to take from your artwork?
LL: Curiosity I think. Every element that appears in my work is designed to convey a certain message. Combined together, I want people to feel the impulse to find out the story behind it.
CH.89: Can you talk a little bit about your lifestyle as an artist and what that is like?
LL: I enjoy being alone, watching films, reading books, and going to galleries. I only socialize with a very limited group of friends. There is no clue in my apartment indicating I am an illustrator except for a tablet.
CH.89: When starting out an artistic task, do you think it is better to have a particular direction/set plan guiding your way? Or, is it better to act on impulse and go from there?
LL: I won’t start drawing until I can picture a clear direction of where the image is going and feel satisfied with it. For me, drawing an illustration is more about designing a visual system.
CH.89: What is one major lesson you’ve learned as an artist thus far?
LL: Open your mind, don’t limit your vision to illustration only. I always believe that everything is somewhat connected, and inspirations can appear in every corner even the one that has nothing to do with illustration.
CH.89: Do you regard personal style & taste to be of highest importance?
LL: It’s definitely the most crucial thing, but I think it is not something that can be set up as a periodical target such as having a better understanding of color and composition. It’s a lifetime thing, personal style mirrors who you are which for most of us, is the most difficult task of being a human. I used to be anxious and desperate to have a unique personal style, but now I don’t rush on it, everything I am experiencing now is shaping me, and at a certain point, it might be there.
CH.89: What do you consider to be the hardest thing about being an artist?
LL: Building a personal brand. There are thousands of talented people in this community, and you need to build a unique personal brand to stand out.
CH.89: What is one thing you love about being an artist?
LL: Making a living from my hobby and passion.
CH.89: Is there anyone in particular, any artist’s that inspire you in any way?
LL: I would say Tomer Hanuka, he has made so many amazing pieces based on movies. He’s helped me see that what I do for a hobby can actually become a career. Among all others that inspire me, I think he is the one that has helped me and inspired me the most.
CH.89: What do you think of technology in terms of being a useful tool for artists today?
LL: One thing I love about today’s technology is Social Media. It makes it possible for me to reach out without having to be physically social in crowds. And that definitely has opened up more opportunities for people to get noticed.
CH.89: Do you think being an artist allows you to view the world differently from those who don’t follow creative paths?
LL: Honestly I don’t think so. People are living to find out who they are, and being an artist makes me do this by drawing. I think people that don’t follow creative paths have their own methods. Today art is not something being done locked in a studio and exhibited to the public without captions. For me, I consider art to be my way of expressing and communicating, not only with artists but with people of different backgrounds as well.
CH.89: Do you enjoy traveling? If so, do you have a favorite city?
LL: For sure. I personally love Kyoto the most. The view, the tradition, and the food impressed me a lot.
CH.89: Do you have a favorite author or book?
LL: A Pale View of Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro. The reading experience is so unique and so unforgettable.
CH.89: Any future goals or plans for your artwork?
LL: To build a more distinguished personal style and use it as fluently as my mother language.
CH.89: What does being an artist mean to you?
LL: To be free, happy, and who I really am.
CH.89: What’s the last song you listened to?
LL: The Crown Main Title.
CH.89: Any last words on the aesthetic of your artwork?
LL: Generally I don’t trust words that much, so I choose illustrations to speak for me. I hope people seeing my work can feel what I wish to express. That would be my great pleasure and happiness.
CHAPTER89 