Today we’d like to introduce you to Xuan Zhang.
Hi Xuan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grow up being the type of kid that will spend an (almost) unhealthy amount of time on video games. Those beautiful worlds and amazing characters never failed to amaze the little kid me, and I will never forget all the moments playing games that made me feel “Wow, that was so cool!” When I was around 12, my dad brought me to the Harry Potter Studio in the UK during a family trip. There was a concept art section. That was the moment I realized there are people designing these beautiful costumes and props that made me gaze in awe. That was the moment I realized very clearly what my passion is: to transfer my imagination to artwork and, hopefully, make someone else feel the same excitement I had.
So I began to sketch my own art and designs everywhere. Front and back pages of storybooks and dictionaries, blank spaces on textbooks, desks in my classroom, then my own sketchbook (thanks to my dad, who is also an artist), then digital painting software. I began posting my artwork online under the name Nuesora. Somehow I managed to know there is a school called Art Center College of Design that teaches the exact thing and went there, somehow I graduated. I’ve been drawing things I like since 6, and now I’m a professional character artist.
TL;DR: I’ve been fascinated by the visuals (especially characters) of all entertainment content and ended up making it myself.
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?
Oh my goodness, the road of being an artist would never be smooth. The intellectual and technical challenges of improving skills, figuring out the balance point between my personal taste and industry preference; peer pressure; arthritis in the hand, wrist, and back pain; and most painfully, the constant struggle of art block, self-denial of “my art sucks”, and the never-ending anxiety of “am I staying in my comfort zone again”. Plus that I’m a freelance artist. I actually had symptoms of anxiety before I got my first gig. That being said, I’m lucky enough to have friends, mentors, and cherished ones that dragged me through all the hardship and made everything possible.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a character artist. From illustrations to concept designs to even chibi arts, I do all kinds of things related to characters in the entertainment industry. I strive to tell the story and personality of the characters using language unable to capture in words, that is to say, in the form of visual art, and with the same unspoken language, my ultimate goal is to evoke excitement and emotion in you.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I know people nowadays are saying things like art school is not worth it, but as a super introvert who had struggled a lot on socialize, going to an art school and connecting with classmates and teachers was the best way known to me of networking in the entertainment industry. Besides, I met the mentor who helped me so much at art school doing my graduating project. So if I am to give any advice on networking to people as socially awkward as myself, then that would be to try to find somewhere you will physically visit regularly related to your industry and just try to make friends there like how you would make friends anywhere else.
Contact Info:
- Website: xznuesora.carrd.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/xznuesora/
