Hui Li an author/illustrator living in New Jersey. As a child she was interested in soft-brush calligraphy and stories and hasn’t changed much since. She has a Ph.D. in science and has moved to the world of publishing by illustrating and writing picture books for children. Working mainly in watercolor and pencils, her work has been inspired by nature, science and her childhood experiences. Her children’s books include Running Across America (Nomad Press), Gutsy Girls Go For Sciences (Nomad Press), When I Was (Jinlin Publishing. China), Curious Kids (Nomad Press), etc. She loves succulent plants. Today we’re excited to chat with Hui about her illustrating and publishing journey.
What inspires you to create picture books?
When I was studying in Chicago, I volunteered to teach science classes to elementary school kids near my school. At that time I discovered picture books. When I grew up in China, picture books were not a thing. I read lots of comic books as a teenager, but they were all black and white, with soft covers, and only half-letter size. So when I first saw picture books, I was immediately drawn to how gorgeous they are. They reminded me of my childhood dreams of becoming a writer and an artist. I want to take this magical book format, and share my stories with readers young and old.
When did you start illustrating and how long did it take to publish your first book?
I started illustrating around 2017, but I had always had painting as my hobby. It took about one year for my first book to publish. And one year is fast when I look back now since they were books published in the educational market.
What surprised you the most working as an author/illustrator?
What surprised me most is what a slower write I can be. It took years for me from the point of generating a story idea, revising, to eventually turning them into readable picture book dummies.
What is your favorite thing about being an author/illustrator?
I get to live in a world full of imagination and become the first one to take on the adventures in my books. And they are not just random imaginations, they are imaginations with my own voice. This is so exciting if you think about the different things we are experiencing right at this moment. The good ones, we can make them into adventures and share with my readers. The not so exciting and sometimes even unpleasant experiences, we can make them into adventures too, so that they can be understood by children and grown-ups. It’s like being an activist but with stories as my tool.
What do you find difficult working as an author/illustrator?
Writing.
English is my second language, so I have to put extra effort into writing. Let’s say if I write something in a manuscript, I need to double-check and triple-check to see if everything sounds all right. Sometimes I also ask a friend to help me or use grammar-checking tools. I am pretty sure I still make tons of mistakes in English when I write. But doesn’t a protagonist need to overcome all the obstacles to achieve his/her dream?
How do you describe your art style? How did you find your art style?
Dynamic with a delicate color application that creates lush and charming environments, with lovable characters inhabiting believable worlds, solving problems, having fun, and making the reader laugh!
I found my style through “trial and error”. I guess there is really no “error” in illustrating, but if I drew something that I am not satisfied, I try to express it in a different way the next time. If there is some style element that I love, like a certain way of drawing curves or shades, I keep it. I also like browsing editorial illustrations in newspapers and magazines. They are so inspiring. I always find fun ways of telling stories in editorial illustrations.
Anything you are habitual about when it comes to creativity?
Keep consuming new materials, whether it is PB, MG, GN, or any other formats. I believe creativity is the ability of one’s brain to connect different things in a logical way. Without a big pool of information there, our creativity will be restrained because there is simply nothing to connect together.
How did you find your agent?
I came across Friends by Aiko Ikegami a few years ago. I love her illustration, so I searched for her website and found an interview of her on Youtube. She talked about the process of how she got her agent Anna Olswanger.
Later when I started querying with my manuscript Scroll, I compiled a list of agents. Anna is at the very top, not because her name starts with an A, but because through research, I found out maybe we could be a good match. Getting an agent feels like getting a friend. It’s from all the small things that you know you’ll be friends. For Anna, I like the book she wrote and the books her client wrote. There are topics that we both deeply care about. So I clicked that “SEND” button. In less than 10 minutes she replied. We started working together. A few months later, I became one of her clients too.
You have illustrated so many other authors’ books. How does it feel to write and illustrate your own book?
Awesome! Would it be great to have my name there as an author? Of course! And nervous at the same time. Somehow it feels like having a baby. Joyful and anxious at the same time.
Congratulations on your recent book deal with Little Brown! What’s up next for you?
A second book with Christy Ottaviano Books at Little, Brown. Because my agent made a two-book deal. (Yay!) I am deeply rooted in Asian culture, so this second book also has an Asian vibe. Something nostalgic and sweet.
Do you have any suggestions you’d like to share with aspiring authors and illustrators?
Keep dreaming. Keep trying. Never give up on your dream. I think it’s something I need to constantly remind myself too.
Thank you so much, Hui, for stopping by and sharing your journey with us!
Please visit Hui at her website, and connect with her on Instagram and Twitter.
