Interview: Chantal Lieu

Preferred Pronoun?
she/her

Why did you choose to enter this work?
I love how this piece transitioned from digital illustration to physical art, and wanted to bring it back into the digital sphere to allow people around the world to access and enjoy the artwork.

What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
I love how my design came to embody its initial concept of “infinite possibilities.” What started as a local project has grown to gain global recognition, which really shows that anything is possible!

What excites you most about being shortlisted?
I’m excited for my work to be showcased alongside many other talented illustrators from around the world! It’s amazing to see our work come together and celebrate each illustrator’s unique voice.

Where do you usually work?
I work out of my bedroom, which doubles as my studio. It features my home-built PC, Cintiq tablet, and all my traditional art supplies (and my Shih Tzu sleeping the day away next to me)!

How long did it take to complete your project?
This project was completed over the course of 8 months. I began work in January 2023, and the final piece was installed in early September of the same year.

What is your dream commission?
My dream commission is to illustrate a book series for an author like Rick Riordan. Fantasy is one of my favourite book genres, and I would love to create designs that bring those fantasies to life.

What’s your favourite thing to draw?
I love to draw animals! I particularly love drawing capybaras and tigers - the former because they’re such calm, chill creatures, and the latter because they’re so bright and furious.

What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Keep drawing and experimenting; you’ll only find your best work if you continue to explore and develop new styles and projects. Draw what you love, and people will naturally gravitate to you.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to work as a full-time freelance illustrator, focusing on children’s books, book covers, public art, and product design/advertising! I’m eager to explore new ways to express my creative voice.


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