Featured Pro Portfolio: Wangjie Li

Wangjie Li is a concept artist and illustrator who has worken on titles such as Wizards of the Coast, The Elder Scrolls Online, Lineage II, and Legend of the Cryptids. 

Check out Wangjie’s ArtStation-powered portfolio website. 

“I really adore the [ArtStation Pro] customized beautiful premium themes.  The majority of my work is illustration. Every painting has its own uniqueness. The Insta  theme is able to present my work in a beautiful and elegant style.  By clicking the thumbnail, it leads to the link of the actual painting. This feature makes it so easy for my viewers to see my work.”

What’s your advice for improving drawing skills?

First of all,  I believe the best way to improve drawing skill is in trying to simplify the object and not make things too complicated for yourself. Paint the shape, not the texture. For me drawing is draughtsmanship in being able to draw exactly the motive that you wish. 

Secondly, inspiration is a very strong tool in improving my drawing skills. I often draw things from life. This overall sensory experience is vital for my understanding of the subject matter. I am also inspired by masterpieces that I admire and trace them. When I find certain techniques I like, I try to learn how to repeat them. It’s a first step in detail to begin applying them in different designs.

Where do you find inspiration?

I often find inspirations in the things that I adore, as well in the masterpieces, occasionally, in my mother’s porridge. Art can be out of the norms and regulations. I tend to indulge myself in the surroundings, the people, and environment.

For example, taking a walk on the beach, gazing the horizon and watching the sunset,  I can’t help but to analyze and dive into a deep thinking. What is it that makes it so beautiful and extraordinary? The lighting? The color? The atmosphere? Then I keep this in mind and use those abstract elements in my next practice piece.

It’s very important for me to capture these special moments when I encounter something sensational that I can’t describe with words.  I utilize my feels and thoughts and translate them into my art, based on my observations.

I believe that Inspiration ideas are all around us – everywhere an artist ventures, who they speak with, what they experience, and everything an artist does outside of the art field.

 Tell us about one of your favorite works of art.

One of my favorite pieces is John Singer Sargent’s “Portrait of Madame X”.  It’s absolutely an arresting image, ambiguous and mysterious. Her skin is astonishingly white, yet her hands are stubby and red, her profile exaggeratedly aquiline. I definitely amazed by what a dramatic and complex woman she is. 

What experiences or training led you to where you are today?

I have done a lot traditional training in sculpture drawing. Keeping up the traditional art training allows me to continuously strengthen my artistic foundation.

Painting is not as simple as people may think. It can be extremely intimidating and challenging. No matter how sophisticated I become, I am always considering myself  a beginner.

There are so many things for me to learn. And the challenge is infinite. In our industry, we must constantly update new skills, like new 3D software. These will help me to become a better designer.

See more of Wangjie’s work on his portfolio website. To learn more about ArtStation Pro websites, click here.