Today we’d like to introduce you to Yazhi Zheng.
Hi Yazhi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Under the influence of my family, I began working with pastels as a child. My mother’s in-depth study of fashion design and interior design, coupled with the artistic training my uncle and grandfather received, laid a solid foundation for my artistic enlightenment. In my memory, the bookshelves at home were filled with various art books that I could freely explore. These served as the initial seeds of my artistic pursuit. In my perception, the family is a treasure trove of inspiration that inspires creativity.
During elementary school, I won a silver medal in a children’s art competition, with my work exhibited in Japan. This marked the commencement of my professional journey. In my teenage years, I spent bustling days at art school, engaging in morning studies and afternoon drawing sessions. This early experience fostered my perseverance, eventually leading me to the other side of the ocean and starting my study career at the School of Visual Arts. Here, I broadened my skills in digital media and delved into various traditional mediums, including oils, acrylics, and watercolors.
In the process of constantly creating static and dynamic media, I gradually developed a strong interest in 2D animation and motion graphics and successfully combined illustration and animation. My creative skills have grown tremendously in this process.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The public’s impression of art is often romantic, accessible, and imaginative. However, the road to art is often complicated and challenging.
I’ve often been in situations where I’ve been frustrated by slow progress or nights where I’ve been low on inspiration. Every college assignment is a deadline that must be faced in the short future, and in urgent situations, I often need more ideas. However, through each effort, I saw my improvement in skills and inspiration.
I often hold myself to high standards. I am willing to present my work professionally, not just at the level of student work after self-criticism. I am pleased that the school’s assignment topics are usually commercial and closely related to industry. My professors, like art directors, keep in touch with me via email, assign me tasks that they have actually received before, and provide tips on communicating with clients and follow-up needs. All are based on industry standards and expose us to the skills required for future careers. My several internship experiences have also verified this.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an illustrator, 2D animator, and motion graphics designer, I blend the art of illustration and animation to create a creative style and rich color palette that make my art unique. Having grown up by the sea, the beauty of water and nature deeply inspires my work. My artistic mission is to create a rainbow of colors in each piece, subtly incorporating gorgeous elements. Inspired by everything from realism to science fiction, I use incredible colors and beautiful natural landscapes to create a dreamlike art world with solid visuals and lovely details through digital media.
My work has garnered awards, been showcased in exhibitions globally, and featured in various publications. Notable achievements include securing the Communication Arts 2023 Illustration Award, featuring in the June 2023 issue, and receiving the Merit Award in the Young Ones 2023 Animation Competition. Exhibited in group showcases at the Society of Illustrations Museum and SVA Flatiron Gallery, my illustration and animation pieces present a rich visual feast of art to the audience.
I always hope my works awaken an appreciation of nature and peaceful emotions in viewers, especially in the high-pressure modern society. Through storytelling and visual art, I hope to allow people to take a breath. In my creation, I deeply explore the connection between personality and nature, further deepening the emotional bond between art and the audience, making my works a spiritual sustenance and inspiration.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I completed an incredible internship at an illustration agency in Orange County, but I currently spend most of my time living in the New York area. This bustling city brings together all kinds of people and intricate traffic, giving me a completely different experience than before. People here pay attention to life as well as careers. Various art exhibitions and opportunities allow artists to burst out with brilliant creativity in this land.
I love the accessible communication and colorful social networks here. I have admired the outstanding works of artists at the Met and Moma. At the same time, I have also listened to music and sketched the breathtaking scenery in front of me in Central Park. I have traveled every inch of Manhattan and breathed in the artistic atmosphere. This city has added endless inspiration and vitality to my creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yazhizheng.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yazhi_art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yazhi-zheng-190419223/
