We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kexin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kexin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
As a current MFA student with limited work experience, my internships at gaming companies left me shocked at the challenges faced by young female artists in the industry. I was surprised to discover blatant and malicious gender disparities in the gaming sector. Instances where upper management explicitly expressed a preference for hiring men and colleagues admitted favoring women based on appearance were particularly disheartening. Shockingly, one of my female coworkers had to endure harassment and stalking from senior colleague, and power often hindered them from addressing these issues.
These incidents occurred in reputable gaming companies, and while I hope they are not widespread, I am now more determined to openly and consistently discuss and work towards changing these problems once I become a part of the industry.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello, everyone! I’m Kexin, a 3D artist and animator. Currently, I’m pursuing studies in animation in Los Angeles. My experience has primarily revolved around animation in advertising and gaming.
To me, animation is more than just a craft; it’s a narrative art form. While I focus on enhancing my skills in animation, I actively seek inspiration from film, experimental art, and music, with the goal of seamlessly blending these elements into my work.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I’ve been on a continuous journey to cultivate a positive creative mindset. For the longest time, I gauged the quality of my work based on external opinions and industry standards. Questions like, “Will this land me a job at a major company?” or “Did I receive enough positive feedback on social media?” often dictated my perception of my own work. Constantly comparing myself to other skilled artists created anxiety, reaching a point where it hindered my creativity rather than fueling it.
Recent years, I’ve been gradually shifting my focus inward. I’ve come to realize that when I recognize the value in my work, it becomes more resonant with an audience and genuinely adds value to them. While commercial success is crucial, it’s not the sole determining factor of artistic worth.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Like many artists, my driving force is the sheer love of creating art. Even when faced with repetitive tasks, this passion becomes a powerful motivator, enabling me to immerse myself in my work and create a positive feedback loop.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kxchen999/