As part of the Beat’s coverage of Mocca, we will continue to interview panel members, creators, talents and various artists for this year’s 2025 Mocca Fest. In this competition, we have the opportunity to talk to this amazing talented artist Yuke Li,,,,, Who will sell her work in the show along with the graphic novel Monster Survival Manual.
Lee is one He has worked as an independent storyteller and cartoonist at Mocca for the past four years. A phenomenon-based talentnNaturally flow into the art style on the page, sHe saw her work in art books, celebrations and even the streets of New York and Boston.
Check out the gorgeous preview pages of these monster survival manuals in the interview below.
Christian Angeles: Thank you for doing this! First, let’s start with your story. Who are you, what is your style and professionalism?
YUKE LI: I am Yuke Li, a Chinese storyteller and illustrator in New York. I like simple but meaningful stories. I started making stories in my MFA course at the School of Visual Arts.
My first story is the tiger in the yard, a picture book about stray cats. I like to create stories about animals or use them as main characters because their emotions and reactions feel more direct and real. I always hope that my audience will find emotional connections in my work.
After graduation, I started telling darker or more complex stories, but generally positive stories. For someone as introverted as me, it’s like “a painting keeps the doctor away from the doctor.” Making photos is my way of communicating with the world and healing myself.
Angels: That’s amazing. I have always believed in the power of art in healing. Well, what are you promoting in Mocca this year next?
plum: This year, I created a new story, The Monster Survival Handbook, a graphic novel about myself – an anxious Chinese artist with life on Chihuahua Island – trying to live life in New York. I love all dogs, but I think Chihuahua represents my best because it is small and overprotective.
My anxiety was my first inspiration. When I first arrived in New York, I felt anxious about school, then gained recognition, and now a free lifestyle. Even my own anxiety makes me anxious. As time goes by, I realize that everyone goes through an anxious moment or a moment of their temper – that’s when the monsters inside us come out. I am still learning to understand and accept myself while figuring out my own path. I want to share these stories, especially with those who still live in the monsters.
After six years in New York City, I met people from all over the world. I have experienced many cultural conflicts and found that friends with like-mindedness may not necessarily come from China. I have to say that this city inspired me the most.
At first, I considered using a limited palette for efficiency, but since I told stories in a diary-like lifestyle, I wanted to bring more warmth and vitality to the book. This is how I choose the colors you see in it. The protagonist – “I” has pink hair because she is sometimes fragile, sometimes loses control, and even turns into a chihuahua.
Angeles: Very good! Well, next, what do you think you’re happy to see this year?
plum: I’m very happy to see the work of the new artist. I am honored to attend the 2022 Mocca Art Awards and look forward to seeing the stories of the winners every year.
Angels: This is a huge honor. Next, let me know, what is your favorite thing about Mocca Fest?
plum: Every year, I find amazing artworks or interesting stories from Mocca. It inspired me and made me want to attract more.
Angeles: Finally, why do you think indie comics are so important now?
plum: Independent cartoonists create unique stories. Through independent comics, people can experience different perspectives and hear voices outside the mainstream. This is very important because the world should embrace diversity and all voices should be heard and respected. Everyone has a story to tell – more than just the most popular stories should be noticed. Every real story should have a moment of light.
Yuke Li will be selling her latest work at Mocca ’25. She will also share space with Caitlin Du at Table 59 so you can visit them. If you want to attend Mocca Fest 2025 in New York, click here.
