As a part of the Beat’s coverage of MoCCA, we’re continuing to interview panelists, creators, talents, and all sorts of artists attending this year’s MoCCA Fest for 2025. In this one, we got the chance to speak with the phenomenally talented artist Yuke Li, who will be at the show selling her artwork along with the graphic novel MONSTER SURVIVAL HANDBOOK.
Li is an independent storyteller and cartoonist who has been tabling at MoCCA for the past four years. A phenomenal talent with an art style that naturally flows on the page, she’s seen her work in art books, galas, and even on the streets of New York and Boston.
Check out these gorgeous preview pages of the MONSTER SURVIVAL HANDBOOK along with our interview below.
CHRISTIAN ANGELES: Thanks for doing this! First off, let’s start with your story. Who are you, and what’s your style and specialty in what you do?
YUKE LI: I’m Yuke Li, a Chinese storyteller and illustrator based in New York. I love simple but meaningful stories. I started making stories during my MFA program at the School of Visual Arts.
My first story, The Tiger in My Yard, is a picture book about a stray cat. I enjoy creating stories about animals or using them as main characters because their emotions and reactions feel more direct and genuine. I always hope my audience can find an emotional connection in my work.
After I graduated, I began telling darker or more complicated stories, but overall positive stories. For an introverted person like me, it’s like ‘A drawing a day keeps the doctor away.’ Making pictures is my way of communicating with the world and healing myself.
ANGELES: That’s amazing. I have always firmly believed in the power of art in healing. Alright, next, what are you promoting at MoCCA this year?
LI: This year, I created a new story, Monster Survival Handbook, a graphic novel about myself—an anxious Chinese artist with a chihuahua living inside—trying to navigate life in New York. I love all dogs, but I think a chihuahua represents me best because it’s small and overly protective.
My anxiety was my first inspiration. When I first arrived in New York, I was anxious about school, then about gaining recognition, and now about the freelance lifestyle. Even my own anxiety makes me anxious. Over time, I realized that everyone experiences moments of anxiety or times when they lose their temper—that’s when the monster inside us comes out. I’m still learning to understand and accept myself while figuring out my path. I want to share these stories, especially with those who also have a monster living inside them.
After six years in New York City, I’ve met people from all over the world. I’ve experienced many cultural conflicts, and I’ve found that like-minded friends aren’t necessarily from China. I have to say, this city has inspired me the most.
At first, I considered using a limited color palette for efficiency, but since I tell stories in a diary-like, slice-of-life style, I wanted to bring more warmth and vibrancy to the book. That’s how I chose the colors you see in it. The main character—’me’—has pink hair because she is sometimes fragile, sometimes loses control, and even turns into a chihuahua.
ANGELES: Nice! Alright, next, what do you think you’re most excited to see this year?
LI: I’m excited to see work from new artists. I had the honor to be part of the MoCCA Arts Awards of Excellence in 2022, and I look forward to seeing stories from each year’s winners.
ANGELES: That’s a huge honor. Next, tell me, what’s your favorite thing about MoCCA Fest?
LI: Every year, I discover either amazing artwork or intriguing stories at MoCCA. It inspires me and makes me want to draw more.
ANGELES: And finally, why do you think indie comics so important right now?
LI: Independent cartoonists create unique stories. Through indie comics, people can experience different perspectives and hear voices outside the mainstream. This is incredibly important because the world should embrace diversity, and all voices deserve to be heard and respected. Everyone has a story to tell—not just the most popular ones should get attention. Every genuine story deserves a moment to shine.
Yuke Li will be at MoCCA ‘25 selling her latest works. She’ll likewise be at Table 59, sharing a space with Caitlin Du, so you can visit them both. If you’d like to attend New York’s MoCCA Fest 2025 click here.
