Maili Taniguchi

I was so honored to attend LightBox Expo 2025 this year! My wife surprised me with some tickets and together we got to go to the convention that has changed my life and artistic career for the better!

I had been to LightBox the first year it opened in 2019. I heard from industry professionals, creative entrepreneurs, and studios what to do and how to navigate the path to working in film, games, tv and other projects. I left having a game plan on how to make a great portfolio, how to get internships, and how to start building my career as a concept artist.

And that didn’t happen. Covid hit—ending my internship, my engagement ended, I struggled with crippling depression that took all of my energy. This was the start of my 5 year burnout. When things got lighter, Covid passed, and I met the love of my life, I threw myself into art jobs to prove I still had what I took. While I had solid freelance work and a stable full time job, my personal work fell through the cracks. While I made money, I forgot what I was really creating for.

So when I came to LightBox this year, I was looking for that pathway to the film and game industry again. But I found something else. Every professional, every friend, every artist I spoke with, shared similar experiences to my struggles. And they told me that the burnout I experienced didn’t put me back at all. In fact, most of them didn’t adhere to the algorithm, they didn’t push to post every day or even every week. They posted when they felt like it. They created when they felt like it and slowly, art didn’t feel like a job like it had become for me. They didn’t push me to make a portfolio but advised me to just draw for me. I didn’t expect that and it was exactly what I needed to hear.

Most of the artwork I saw at the Expo focused on le***an or q***r relationships. I thought my love for drawing sapphic work was niche, but it’s not. And I love it, so that’s what I’m going to draw. That’s what I will post. ❤️

So if anyone struggles like I have, I hope this advice may help you like it’s saved me. Thank you 🩵 See you next year!

Just in time for
🏳️‍🌈PRIDE🏳️‍🌈

I’m really proud of this piece because it’s the first personal project I’ve completed in almost 5 years.

5 years ago, I had major burnout. This stopped so much of my personal art because putting my heart and soul into my work was just too much. While I had a job in illustration and a lot of freelance work, I never worked on things for myself. I had this project and many others that I started so long ago, but never finished. So I’m taking it step by step to get back in the groove, starting with the reason I love to draw: Love.

Pride is so important. As a le***an artist, this month means so much to me. It’s a time when I get to see so many beautiful pieces that I relate to so much! I love seeing all of the rainbows and inclusion, especially nowadays! Everyone’s work is inspiring to me!

For anyone who understands burnout, you’ll know that it’s so much more than just being tired. It doesn’t heal in a day, a week, or any set amount of time. It affects your health both physically and mentally. If you’ve been there or are there, know that you aren’t alone. Many of us who are creatives, mix our passion with our careers and it can be wonderful and detrimental. Over these years I’ve learned that pacing myself and taking time to heal is critical to being able to do art long term. My unsolicited advice is to put the brakes on. Your art depends on it, and so does your health.

Thank you everyone for your support and your patience. I’m coming back and have a lot to show!

I know it’s been so long guys, but I am determined to finish the circle of characters! Here’s Grimjow Jeagerjaquez from Bleach for Teal!

I’m so excited to announce that I get the honor of speaking at the next Q***r Creativity Summit! Come and learn about finding your creative spark and learn that it’s never too late to start your creative journey! Plus get access to hearing 17 other q***r creatives!

Follow the link in my bio to register and get some free goodies! Thank you to for this opportunity!
***rcreativitysummit2025 ***r