Today we’d like to introduce you to Zee Yorke.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Jiangxu China, but was adopted and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. I was lucky enough to have a family who always supported my passion for the arts. I began to take art seriously in middle school, and from there I went to a public arts high school in downtown Los Angeles. I am glad I was able to take advantage of all the art opportunities in DTLA like all the different Museums, and other high school art programs like CSSSA.
I graduated high school in 2019 and am now attending the California Institute of the Arts (Calarts) for my BFA in Experimental Animation. My first year went by so fast. I loved my classes and the new friends I’ve made. My classmates and I had to make our first-year films at home, because of COVID-19. And I think that in itself was a huge learning experience about time management and pacing ourselves. I am anxious to return to campus in the fall and hope to learn more about screenwriting while I am here.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of my largest struggles was when I was trying to figure out which university to attend. I have always loved animation, but I also grew up reading comics and graphic novels and also had a strong passion for comics and illustration. I had to choose whether I wanted to attend Calarts for animation, or ArtCenter College of Design for illustration. Both schools are reputable, and both have a super talented array of students and faculty, it was a tough decision.
I ultimately decided on Calarts because the school’s atmosphere seemed better suited to my personality. And I still felt I had a lot to learn about animation. Not to say I know everything about illustration, but I figured I could still illustrate things in my free time. I also lacked a lot of the resources needed to animate larger projects.
Now, as I am older and beginning to learn about the industry, and I am beginning to apply for internships and jobs, I am also learning how to handle rejection. It is an extremely competitive business, and I’ll admit its tough to be rejected by them. But I believe I am growing as a person and as an artist through them.
Doozical – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I don’t think I would call it a company or business, but more of a small brand? I sell handmade crafts through my Instagram, @doozical, and have also managed to get work and collaborate with artists I admire through the art community online.
I make comics, illustrations, and animations that I try to frequently post online. Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming, but I am extremely thankful and really appreciate the fact that people enjoy my work enough to support me. Whether that be by following and liking my content, or buying my artwork.
I guess I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to actually sell my work, at first I wasn’t sure if people would care enough, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that they do. Most of my products are all handmade, which I think makes each of them unique. No two are exactly the same. And I think that adds a bit of personality to my products.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Hmm. I guess this is a bit of a tough question because I am still just starting out on my art journey.
On a personal level, I think I consider a venture or task a success when I feel proud of the work I have completed. I’m already happy that people enjoy my work enough to support me. That actually means a lot to me. So if I am able to create work that not only makes me feel satisfied but also works that others enjoy, I would consider that a success!
As I continue to pursue art as a career, I don’t hope to become some big famous artist, but I hope to be able to afford living in this expensive city. Nothing lavish, just enough to live nicely! So if I am able to find a job for myself that helps me achieve that goal, I would consider that a success, on a more traditional, I guess “materialistic” level.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://daisyorke01.wixsite.com/doozical
- Email: daisyorke01@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doozical/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/doozical?lang=en
Image Credit:
Zee Yorke
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