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Susanna Li

Unlocking Creativity: Expert Advice From Susanna Li, Graphic Designer, and Painter


Published on February 07, 2024

For those knowledgeable, the name Susanna Li is synonymous with innovative graphic design. A leading figure in the New York scene, she has carved out a reputation for herself as a creative powerhouse, known for her ability to marry artistic vision with commercial practicality. This article delves into her journey, her unique approach to design, and her invaluable advice for aspiring graphic designers.

Based in New York, Susanna Li has a deep-rooted understanding of the city’s vibrant culture and artistic scene. Her designs, which range from corporate branding to projects with a strong social impact, showcase her ability to translate the city’s energy into captivating visuals. Susanna Li is a talented individual who excels in both the fields of graphic design and painting. With her expertise and skills, she has made a name for herself in the creative industry. As a graphic designer, Susanna has an eye for detail and a keen sense of aesthetics. She can create visually stunning designs that effectively communicate the intended message. She understands the importance of creating designs that not only look good but also effectively convey the client’s brand identity.

In addition to her graphic design expertise, Susanna Li is also a successful painter. She has a unique style that combines elements of realism and abstraction. Her paintings often depict scenes from human emotions, and surreal. Susanna’s use of color is intense and expressive, adding depth and emotion to her artwork. Her compositions are well-balanced and visually captivating. Each brushstroke is deliberate and purposeful, showcasing her technical skill and artistic vision.

What sets Susanna apart from others in her field is her ability to seamlessly transition between graphic design and painting. She brings a unique perspective to her design work, infusing it with artistic elements that make it stand out. On the other hand, her experience as a graphic designer allows her to approach her paintings with a sense of composition and visual storytelling. This versatility allows Susanna to excel in both areas, making her a sought-after creative professional.

The importance of creativity in visual art and visual design

Creativity is the lifeblood of graphic design. It transforms ordinary concepts into extraordinary visuals, capturing the audience’s attention and conveying the intended message effectively. Without creativity, designs become repetitive and lose their impact.

For Susanna Li, creativity is not just about thinking freely. It is about understanding the box, knowing its limitations, and then pushing beyond them. She believes that brilliant design is a balance of creativity and practicality, and this philosophy has guided her throughout her successful career.

Her ability to think creatively and approach art with a fresh perspective allows her to create unique and captivating artworks that resonate with viewers. In visual design, creativity is equally important as it allows designers to come up with original and compelling concepts for various projects. By incorporating creative elements into their designs, designers can effectively communicate messages, evoke emotions, and capture the attention of their target audience. Susanna Li’s work serves as a reminder of the power of creativity in visual art and design, inspiring others to embrace their creative instincts and push the boundaries of what is possible in their respective fields.

Creativity in visual art and design encourages individuality and self-expression. Artists like Susanna Li use their creative abilities to convey their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through their art. This personal expression not only allows the artist to connect with their inner self but also creates a connection with the audience. Similarly, in visual design, creativity allows designers to infuse their work with their unique style and personality. This helps establish a distinct brand identity and creates a memorable experience for the audience. In the fiercely competitive New York art and design scene, creativity is especially crucial. It is what sets a designer apart and makes their work stand out. As Susanna Li puts it, “In a city where everyone is trying to make a name for themselves, creativity is your most powerful tool.”

Susanna Li’s unique approach to unlocking creativity

Susanna Li’s approach to unleashing creativity is as distinctive as her designs. She believes in the power of observation and draws inspiration from the world around her. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of New York City or the tranquility of nature, Li sees potential design ideas everywhere.

An advocate for continuous learning, Li encourages designers to explore different art forms and design styles. She asserts that broadening one’s creative horizons can lead to unexpected design solutions. Moreover, Li emphasizes the importance of stepping away from the computer and diving into hands-on, creative activities to stimulate the mind.

Li also highlights the importance of taking calculated risks in design. She argues that while it’s necessary to understand the rules of design, it’s equally crucial to know when to break them to create something truly unique.

Susanna Li’s top tips for aspiring graphic designers in New York.

For those looking to make a mark in New York’s graphic design industry, Susanna Li has some sage advice. First, she stresses the importance of developing a strong, unique portfolio. It’s essential to showcase not only your technical skills but also your creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Li also encourages aspiring designers to embrace the city’s vibrant art scene. Attending gallery openings, art fairs, and design talks. Not only will this expose you to distinctive styles and trends, but it will also provide opportunities to network and meet industry professionals. Finally, Li advises new designers to be patient and persistent. Success does not happen overnight. It takes time, hard work, and a lot of trial and error. But with passion and perseverance, you can carve out your niche in the New York graphic design scene.

Finally, the last piece of advice is to let your talent shine through other forms of art, such as photography, painting, writing. Constantly nourish creativity, through the enjoyment and production of works of art. The main asset to be preserved of an artist is creativity and it must be nourished every moment of our lives.

Susanna Li and the extraordinary pictorial artistic production

The captivating artistry of Susanna Li is profoundly evident in her painting, “Big Fish,” a poignant piece specifically created as a tribute to the movie of the same name. In this work, Li encapsulates a powerful moment from the film where the father is on the verge of death but brushes it off as mere dehydration. The emotional intensity of this scene is beautifully captured by Li, as she skillfully uses her medium to depict the simultaneous fragility and strength associated with life and death.

Another remarkable piece from Li’s oeuvre is “The Beheading,” a passion project that ingeniously blends elements of modern censorship with references to the iconic painting, “Judith Beheading Holofernes” by Artemisia Gentileschi. This artwork serves as a visual representation of suppressed female rage within a patriarchal society. Li masterfully uses her artistic prowess to give voice to this often-silenced perspective, creating a moving commentary on gender dynamics and social constructs.

Susanna Li, Graphic Designer, and Painter

“Beware” is yet another compelling piece by Li, providing a raw and intimate self-portrait of her personal struggles during a period of deep longing for complete control over her life. The art piece stands out for its strikingly rendered hand, more three-dimensional than the portrait of the nervous dog in the same composition. This contrast beautifully captures the unpredictability of life and nature – a recurring theme in Li’s works. The hand’s vivid realism signifies the tangible nature of our personal fears and anxieties, while the more abstractly rendered dog serves as a metaphor for our wild, untamed instincts we strive to control.

Each painting by Susanna Li is not just an artistic expression but a profound narrative encapsulating deep-seated emotions and poignant social commentaries. Her ability to translate such complex themes into captivating visual representations sets her apart in the contemporary art landscape.

Case study: Successful projects by Susanna Li

Throughout her career, Susanna Li has led numerous successful projects. One such project was the rebranding of SKANDINAVISK FURNITURE. Li took inspiration from the Danish alphabet and the geometry of furniture.

Another notable project was Accessibility. This groundbreaking project focuses on making the Internet more inclusive and accessible to all. Susanna shared that she was inspired by the idea of breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone can appreciate and engage with art, regardless of their abilities. Through this project, she has successfully merged her expertise in web design with her artistic vision, resulting in an interactive and immersive experience for viewers.

Susanna Li, Graphic Designer, and Painter

These projects showcase Li’s ability to apply her creativity to solve real-world design challenges. They highlight her understanding of the audience, her attention to detail, and her commitment to delivering designs that not only look great but also serve their purpose effectively.

The New York Graphic Design Scene: Trends and Opportunities

The New York graphic design scene is a hotbed of innovation and creativity. It’s an environment where trends are set, and new design styles are born. In this ever-changing landscape, it’s crucial for designers to stay abreast of the latest trends and adapt their skills accordingly. Susanna Li sees several emerging trends in the New York graphic design scene. One such trend is the increasing use of bold, vibrant colors and unconventional typography. Another trend is the incorporation of traditional art techniques into digital design, giving designs a unique, handcrafted feel. Despite the intense competition, there are plenty of opportunities for aspiring designers in New York. The city’s diverse business ecosystem presents a variety of design projects, from branding and packaging design to web design and user interface design. Moreover, New York’s rich cultural scene provides endless inspiration for designers.

Susanna Li’s advice on keeping up with the New York scene

Keeping up with the dynamic New York graphic design scene can be challenging. However, Susanna Li believes that with the right approach, designers can thrive in this exciting environment. Her advice? Stay curious, keep learning, and be adaptable.  Li recommends regularly attending design events, workshops, and talks to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. She also suggests following design blogs and social media profiles of leading designers and design agencies.

In addition to keeping up with design trends, Li stresses the importance of understanding the broader cultural and socio-economic trends. These trends often influence design styles and themes, and being aware of them can give designers a competitive edge.

Tips from Susanna Li on networking and building a career in New York’s graphic design industry

Networking is a crucial aspect of building a successful career in New York’s graphic design industry. It’s a way to meet industry professionals, learn from their experiences, and potentially land job opportunities.

Susanna Li advises aspiring designers to attend industry events and actively engage with other attendees. She also suggests joining local design communities and participating in design competitions. These platforms provide opportunities to showcase your work, get feedback, and establish professional connections.

In addition to networking, Li emphasizes the importance of building a strong online presence. She advises designers to regularly update their portfolio and share their work on social media and design platforms. This not only helps to showcase your skills and creativity but also increases your visibility to potential employers and clients.

Culture Editor