Jesús Li

Peruvian interdisciplinary designer; now U.S. based. He received an MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2023. Currently working at Carmichael Lynch and teaching at MCAD. Jesús’ practice explores typography, illustration, motion graphic, video art, editorial, identity, and installation. He has worked for Meet Minneapolis, Amnesty International, Subaru of America, Toyota of Peru, University of Minnesota, Lima Museum of Art, St. Paul Public Library, Socosani, and GrupoRPP.

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

As a graphic designer, a creative state of mind is essential to my job. I strive to develop fun and innovative visual concepts to impact audiences and unlock new perspectives. With a keen eye for detail, I use type, motion, photography, and illustration to overcome clients' challenges and build strong and effective visual communication strategies. All of these are possible by collaborating with cross-functional creative teams; that's a great way to forge new ideas and refine designs for optimal outcomes.

How did you get your job?

Summer Internship 2022

What inspires you/your work?

Pop culture and people on the streets.

How do you network yourself and your art?

I'm not afraid of sending emails, giving calls and saying Hi whenever I go to events.

What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?

I'm food driven, so I trust and constantly check instagram.com/saboresmn

Favorite MCAD facility?

Gray Studio

What did you enjoy most about your MFA experience?

During my MFA experience, the most enjoyable aspect was being able to immerse myself in a creative environment where I could freely create, explore, and collaborate with passionate individuals. Meeting like-minded peers and engaging with a community driven by artistic expression fostered a sense of belonging and inspiration. The exchange of creativity and the support of fellow artists through collaborative projects, critiques, or simply sharing ideas enriched my journey and fueled my artistic growth.

What advice do you have for current MCAD students and/or artists at the beginning of their creative careers?

It's important to take the initiative and be proactive when it comes to your creative career. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; instead, actively seek them out. You can do this by networking, attending events, reaching out to potential collaborators or clients, or creating your own projects. Being proactive and persistent is crucial in the early stages of your career, as it not only expands your opportunities but also provides valuable experience and exposure. Every step counts. Try. Fail. Try again.

What would you tell students considering pursuing an MFA degree?

If you're thinking of pursuing an MFA degree, it's essential to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to engage in discussion. Don't shy away from using your voice, raising your opinions, and actively participating in shaping the dialogue within your academic community. From the very beginning, it's essential to build a supportive and collaborative community that can help you enhance your learning experience and provide valuable networking opportunities. Remember that your perspective and contributions are valuable, so seize the opportunity to share and learn from others while creating an inclusive and dynamic artistic environment.