Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jessica Qian of los angeles

We recently had the chance to connect with Jessica Qian and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Jessica, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is a mix of creativity, conversations, and staying connected to culture. I usually start my morning quietly — a cup of coffee, some music, and time to clear my mind before I dive into work.

Most of my work revolves around creative direction and styling, so my days often include reviewing mood boards, discussing concepts with artists or brands, and guiding younger creatives I collaborate with. I spend a lot of time observing — street culture, visual trends, and the way people express themselves — because inspiration comes from everywhere.

Afternoons are usually for production work or meetings. Some days I’m on set styling, other days I’m reviewing pitches, campaigns, or planning upcoming projects. I also make time to communicate with the young artists I mentor; supporting them and helping them grow is meaningful to me.

Evenings are slower. I like to reset, listen to music, write down new ideas, or explore something that inspires me — films, stories about the universe, or just walking around the city. My schedule changes constantly, but every day has the same core: creating, observing, and staying open to new energy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jessica Qian, and I’m an art director and stylist who works at the intersection of youth culture, fashion, and visual storytelling. I collaborate with emerging artists and streetwear brands, helping them translate their identity into visuals that feel authentic, modern, and emotionally resonant.

What makes my work meaningful is the bridge I build between creatives and brands. I’ve always believed that style is a language, and my role is to help others express who they are with clarity and confidence. Because I grew up between different cultures and started exploring art and creativity from a young age, I naturally see things from multiple perspectives — and that gives me an intuitive understanding of how young creatives think, feel, and communicate.

My journey has been shaped by curiosity. I love discovering new talent, shaping creative direction for campaigns, and guiding younger artists as they build their voice. Recently, I’ve also been serving as a judge for international creative awards, which allows me to support global creatives and stay connected to evolving visual trends.

Right now, I’m focused on developing new collaborations with artists and brands, exploring fresh forms of storytelling, and creating work that feels both culturally relevant and emotionally honest.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I moved abroad alone in the ninth grade. I was still very young, and suddenly I was surrounded by people from completely different cultures, values and ways of expressing themselves. At first, everything felt unfamiliar, but over time it opened something in me — a bigger sense of curiosity, understanding and compassion.

That experience taught me that people carry different stories, and that there isn’t only one “right” way to live or think. It made me more patient, more tolerant, and more aware of how important kindness is, especially when someone feels out of place.

It also shaped my creative work. I learned to observe quietly, to feel energy, to notice details, and to understand people beyond the surface. Today, whether I’m working with young artists, styling a project, or building visual stories, I bring that same mindset: stay open, stay human, and trust that sincerity always connects.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, I always found comfort in two things: music and imagination. I used to sing a lot — sometimes quietly to myself, sometimes out loud — and it made me feel protected, like I could create a little world where everything was safe and soft again.

I also talked to the universe in my own way. I didn’t have a specific religion, but I believed there was something kind watching over me — whether it was God, Buddha, or simply a gentle energy. That belief helped me feel less alone. It taught me to stay hopeful and to trust that things would eventually get better.

Looking back, those small moments shaped the way I cope today: through creativity, emotional honesty, and the quiet belief that kindness — both from myself and from the world — can carry me through anything.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say the public version of me is real — but it’s not the whole story. I’m the same person in my work and in my private life: intuitive, emotional, curious, and always paying attention to people and energy. That part is very authentic.

But like anyone, I have layers that don’t always show. I’m sensitive, I overthink, I feel things deeply, and I need a lot of quiet time to recharge. Those are the parts you don’t always see in public, because my job often requires clarity, confidence and direction.

I don’t believe in creating a “perfect” version of myself for others. I try to stay honest, grounded and human, whether I’m working with artists, speaking publicly, or just living my life. The difference is simply how much of myself I choose to share in each moment.

So yes — it’s real. Just not complete.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I made them feel seen.
Not because of anything big or dramatic, but because I paid attention — to their ideas, their emotions, their growth, and the things they were afraid to say out loud.

I hope they remember me as someone who created beauty with sincerity, someone who connected people and encouraged younger artists to believe in themselves. I want to be remembered for my energy more than my achievements — that I was kind, intuitive, curious, and that I tried to leave a gentle mark wherever I went.

And if anything, I hope people tell the story of a person who believed in goodness, who trusted the universe, and who always tried to live with an open heart. That would be enough for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessicaqian.com/
• Instagram: jessica qiann