Today we’d like to introduce you to Zhigang Zhang
Hi Zhigang, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I think it is a good question. I have been an art teacher for a long long time since I started working as an illustrator.
When I graduated from University, I started working as an art teacher who taught student from 4 years old to 15 years old until 2019 as I suddenly realized that I needed to do something different in my life instead of wasting my time. So I spent my savings studying a Master degree in illustration at the Arts University Bournemouth in 2019. Luckily, I got emails from Creative Boom and Artwort in the same month after finishing my course, they would like to publish my work on their website, Creative Boom is a leading UK-based platform, so I was so excited to receive their email. I was so lucky to have my first commercial commissioned job in Belgium after a few months during Chinese New Year, their Magazine`s name is Are We Europe and thanks to Art Director Eddie, it meant a lot to me.
I went back to China after my student visa expired in 2021, I restarted running my own studio as I used to have my own studio in Shenzhen and got some loyal clients so that I got enough salary every month by teaching arts, so I did not need to worry about money and I got a lot of time to accumulate my body of work in my portfolio by being my own boss. I have to admit that it is always not easier to be a freelance illustrator as I did not have a lot of clients who I would like to work with as a new illustrator but fortunately, I did not give up, I kept sending my new portfolio to potential clients who I would like to collaborate with. Finally, I got a few feedback from these potential clients who commissioned me to work with them, I was so relieved as everything I did is paid off. However, I started realizing that if only I keep creating new work and sending it to potential clients and I will receive a lot of good feedback.
In 2022, I have to say that this year meant a lot to me as it happened a lot. My work has been recognized by It`s Nice That which is one of the leading platforms globally for the creative community, encompassing an award-winning website, as an illustrator like every illustrator, it is a big deal to be published on their website which means it could bring a lot of commercial collaborations. My work was also exhibited in a gallery of London and my best friend and her husband went to see my group exhibition and sent some pictures to me, I was so happy to see that. On the other hand, the most exciting thing is that I got a Global Talent Visa from Arts Council England which means I can go back to work and to live in the UK. So I was so proud of what I have done and of course the same now.
In 2023, I came back to work with a new life in London. This year was a fantastic year that I have ever done in my life as a freelance illustrator. I was so excited and lucky to have worked with a few top clients, including Bandcamp, WeTransfer, Süddeutsche Zeitung, De Morgen etc. Some clients are my regular clients now, we work a few times every year. So it is good for me to have some stable clients.
In 2024, I`ll be continuing to work as a freelance illustrator and to make a lot of interesting work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Sort of, I cannot say it has been a smooth road, but I have to say because of my persistence, everything is successful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a freelance illustrator from China and now based in London, I mainly provide editorial illustrations for Magazines and Newspaper. I like to capture the moments and narratives occurring around me as I am most interested in real life. My work is full of life and every character is real around my life. Hand-drawn observational images are combined with the digital in depicting characters, humans, landscapes, architecture, animals, food and humans, both individually and in crowds. My most proud of thing is that I have a Global Talent Visa from Arts Council England in my life as I have never thought I could have made it. What sets me apart from others? I think the most biggest difference is that my observation of everything around me, I utilize my unique perspective and colour palette to depict images in my portfolio.
What matters most to you? Why?
I think it must be making some interesting pieces and also working with top clients around the world. Firstly, I would like to experiment with new techniques and to utilize these techniques to make the most exciting pieces as it keeps me learning and making great work. Secondly, I wish my work could have been recognized by my dream clients as it is an honour to work with them and to make me comfort, everything I do is paid off. Finally, I enjoy making the whole process of every piece as it makes me so happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zhigangart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/z_zhigang/
Image Credits
1-Malatang series
2-Malatang series
3-Malatang series
4-The Colour of Spring
5-The Colour of Spring
6-Vaccinate day
7-Durian`s Fans
8-A Cover for Palermitaner Magazine
