We were lucky to catch up with Mantageri Zhang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Mantageri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
When I was young, I once sketched a melancholic comic figure in my sketchbook, accompanied by the words: “If only I could draw whenever I wanted.” This wish became a reality many years later — enrolled in an art school, where I am immersed in different personal projects and commercial collaborations every day. This kind of creative work leaves little room for rest; even during vacations in the mountains, I find myself contemplating sketching the breathtaking scenery. However, I can’t imagine being any happier if I weren’t involved in the art industry.
Of course, the instability of freelancing occasionally brings moments of uncertainty about the future. Therefore, I’m striving to stabilize my career by expanding my visibility through competitions, exhibitions, and other means. My aim is to secure a stable client base, thus ensuring a more stable future for myself in the industry.
Mantageri, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello! I’m Mantageri Zhang. As a Chinese illustrator now based in Savannah, GA, I specialize in blending the metaphors of mythology and folklores from diverse cultures into contemporary visual art. I use traditional patterns and colors across various media to create illustrations adaptable to multiple markets. Among these passions, I harbor a profound enthusiasm for creating Graphic Novels that intersect visual art with literature within the book market. I also integrate my artwork with handicrafts like tapestries or ceramics, aiming to showcase the warmth of humanity and the natural beauty of landscapes. My work serves as a fusion of ancient wisdom and modern sensibilities, inviting viewers on a timeless journey through culture and storytelling.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Taking the first step on social media is always challenging, so finding a relatively easy starting point is crucial. Before attempting to showcase artwork on social media, I believe it’s essential to understand the preferences of different platforms. Some platforms, such as ArtStation, tend to favor works related to gaming and CG, while Instagram leans towards casual crafts and painting. Additionally, the format of content, whether it’s videos or images, is also worth considering. Sometimes, sharing the creative process on TikTok can yield greater rewards than Twitter.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
As a creator, the most valuable asset one possesses is uniqueness, especially in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Maintaining a distinctive creative voice and a profound inner core not only showcases individual worth but also ensures relevance and impact in an era where replication and automation are prevalent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mantagerimeadow.com/
- Instagram: mantageri_
- Linkedin: Mantageri Zhang