Illustrator and Graphic Designer QU Lan (Interview #6)

QU Lan is an illustrator and graphic designer. Born and educated in China, QU Lan has been living in France since 2002. She has worked in design agencies before starting a freelance career. Now, Qu Lan collaborates with some of the greatest publishing houses, magazines, and design agencies both in Europe and in China, as well as participates in a variety of exhibitions.

QU Lan: Hello, it’s a pleasure to be here with you.

I began to draw as early as I could hold a pencil, like lots of children do. During my elementary and secondary schools, I was focusing on Chinese ink painting. At 15, I left my hometown and entered the Academy of Art of China in Hangzhou, spending 8 years altogether (high school + Academy). I studied in oil painting department. After graduation, there was an offer, a design job from France. It’s completely crazy since I hardly touched a computer before (in 2001), and I hardly speak French. I taught myself all the necessary – and here you go. After four years in the agency, I fell in love with the illustration world, which is an intersection of painting and design – a perfect profession for me.

 

Q: There are a lot of artists who never attended any art schools. I think that art school can help some but not indispensable. If you are motivated, you can always find ways to learn. During my art school period, I studied neither illustration nor design, but I’m here now, a professional illustrator and designer. That’s not so bad to learn by yourself, especially in the present era, with all the information easily accessible. In my case, it’s even more efficient.

Q: I love the woodcut, the screen printing, and the ink wash painting. I browse frequently graphic design trend, photography, movies, and all other visual mediums.

I’m good at figure painting, thanks to the training of art school. Most of my picture books are about human and their feelings or their experience. But my interest doesn’t stop there. I’d like to develop others topics.

* Here is a short video overview of:“Corbeau Noir, Cygne blanc / Black raven, white swan” by Isabelle Genlis (Author), QU Lan (Illustrator).

Q: I lived in several cities in China, in France and in Belgium. I’m not kind of nostalgic person. Wherever I live, I always make myself at ease. In my portfolio there are more Asian scenes because I’m Asian illustrator living in Europe, my European clients tend to entrust me with Asian stories. Actually, I illustrated also Caucasian, African or animal histories.

Q: Photoshop for now.

Q: It depends. When it’s about to create characters or new styles, it takes several days, maybe longer. Once the roughs are done, I can make one complex illustration per day. I don’t like leaving a piece of work for the next day. If it engages a sleepless night, be it.

Q: We can have different professional paths. All roads lead to Rome. In my case, it was necessary and valuable working in design agencies. I learned how to work efficiently and precisely, how to respond to clients’ demands, and how to collaborate with others. I appreciate this experience.

Q: French illustrator Rebecca Dautremer. When I first saw her illustrations, I told myself that Illustrator is a career worth a try. She is the forerunner for me to follow.

I want to make more wonderful illustrations and books with fresh concepts, and try other funny things, such as animation movies, pop-up books or comic albums… There are so many exciting things to learn and to create!

I love getting into people’s heads – especially if they are as talented as our featured artists!

What was your favorite part about her story? How about which illustration speaks to you?

Good luck on Your Art Path,

– Your Art Bud 😉

Also, check out these posts for more Art Tips, Inspiration and Motivation:
*  ” Artist Interview #2 – Featuring B. Blue “ for her story and colorful paintings!*  ” Artist Interview #3 – Featuring Agnieszka Nienartowicz “ to get inspired by her art and tips.*  ” Artist Interview #4 – Featuring Daria Golab “ for her insights.* ” Artist Interview #5 – Featuring Christian Orrillo “ where he shares his Art Path!*  ” 14 Best Figure Drawing Books for Beginners “ with a list of great resources!

*  ” How to Art – 7 Beginner Steps to Improve Your Drawings “ for some more tips on how to get started on Your Art Path!

*  ” 15 Leonardo Da Vinci Quotes ” to learn from the master’s ideas!

*  ” Top Oil Painting Tutorials on YouTube or 8 Steps to Learning How To Paint in Olis ” to master oil painting in no time!