Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zoey Qu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Zoey, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Hello everyone, I’m Zoey, an illustrator originally from China and now based in Atlanta. Since my student days, I’ve been infusing my illustrations with playful and childlike elements, focusing on themes that resonate with children. I’m passionate about crafting artwork that is both whimsical and emotionally evocative. Throughout my career, I’ve delved into various topics, including human emotions, mental health, and psychological issues. I believe that drawing serves as a powerful means of expression, allowing us to convey complex feelings in a visual language.
Zoey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey led me to meet Jennifer McGee, my current art director, who was deeply impressed by my work. She invited me to join an inspiring project centered around disability themes, aimed at fostering self-worth and inclusion within the disabled community through art.I wholeheartedly embraced this meaningful endeavor. Together, we’ve created eight illustrations geared towards children, addressing disabilities such as blindness, physical challenges, autism, and developmental delays. These illustrations have been transformed into posters to champion our cause, as well as art prints and merchandise to broaden our message’s reach to a wider audience.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I believe that the value of my work can be divided into two aspects: material and emotional. I see them as intertwined rather than separate entities. The commercial value of a piece of art cannot be divorced from its artistic merit. When my audience appreciates and is willing to invest in my work, it not only provides material support but also offers insights into market dynamics, guiding my future creative endeavors.
Simultaneously, my creations carry profound emotional resonance and significance. I aim to evoke a deep connection with viewers through my art. For instance, in ‘Inclusion Is Enchanted,’ I depicted a blind young girl immersed in a fantastical world, surrounded by whispering fairies amidst lush greenery. Despite her blindness, she perceives the beauty of her surroundings. When I shared this painting with Jennifer, her tears moved me deeply. Her emotional response affirmed the power of my art to touch hearts and inspire. It fueled my determination to pour my soul into each new creation, driven by the desire to connect with and move others on a profound level.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I’d like to introduce a valuable resource, COLORS: a website that generates color palettes. In my early creative journey, I often struggled with color coordination. However, I discovered this website, which allows users to create personalized color palettes and even extract them from photos. This tool has been invaluable, especially for those lacking extensive color knowledge or experience. It facilitates accentuating tones in paintings, maintaining overall harmony, and achieving refinement in artwork through a diverse range of colors.
I also want to share a reflection on the process of painting. While many perceive painting as an emotive act, I believe that rationality often plays a crucial role, particularly in times of creative block. Not every project sparks immediate inspiration, and sometimes, we
may lack familiarity with the cultural context surrounding our subject matter. In such instances, relying solely on intuition may yield less-than-ideal results. It’s essential to approach these situations with analysis, research, and thoughtful consideration. Creating a mind map can be a helpful starting point, allowing us to organize our thoughts and navigate toward the most fitting direction for our work.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.zoeyqu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whalien5r/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/zhijqu20
Image Credits
Illustrator: Zoey Qu