We recently connected with Yong Hong Zhong and have shared our conversation below.

Yong Hong, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes. I started working for the Disney Animation Studios right after collage. I was recruited by The Disney Animation Studio for an internship while in art collage and offered a job upon graduation. It was an amazing experience was with talented artists from all over the world at The Disney Animation Studios. I ended up working at the studio for fourteen years. The first film that I worked on was Pocahontas and my last film was Prince and the Frog.

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.

I was born and raised in China, and my family immigrated to the US in the early 1980’s when I was twelve year. As a new immigrant, I faced the daunting task of navigating a new language in a new country.

Art has always been my sanctuary and it was the one constant that helped me overcome the obstacles I faced. My passion for art guided me through those formative years. This passion led me to attend LaGuardia High School of Music & Art, a specialized school in NYC known for nurturing creative talent.

I believe in that if you love what you do, everything else will eventually fall in to place. I stayed true to myself and my passion for art. This decision is one of the things I am most proud of today. Over the years, I have not only developed my skills as an artist but also found immense fulfillment in teaching. being able to share my knowledge and inspire others has been a rewarding extension of my creative journey.

Remaining authentic to my love for art and my values has shaped who I am-a passionated artist and teacher dedicated to nurturing creativity and individuality in others.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

What started as a simple challenge to myself—posting one painting a day on Instagram for a week—quickly turned into something much larger. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could stick to it, but after completing the first week, I decided to push myself further and extend the challenge to a month. To my surprise, it felt natural and enjoyable, so I kept going.

Eventually, this small experiment grew into a daily ritual that lasted nearly six years. Every day, without fail, I shared a new painting with the world. Over time, this practice became an integral part of my life, not just as an artist but as a person dedicated to growth and consistency.

During those years, I achieved two incredible milestones. First, I gained close to 100,000 followers, a vibrant community of art enthusiasts and supporters who celebrated my work and encouraged me to keep going. Their engagement and encouragement provided motivation on days when inspiration was harder to come by.

Second, I accumulated an extraordinary body of work, each piece a testament to my dedication to improving my craft. While gaining followers was a wonderful bonus, my primary focus was always on honing my painting skills. The daily practice pushed me to explore new techniques, refine my style, and embrace challenges that might have intimidated me before.

Looking back, this journey wasn’t just about building an audience or completing a challenge—it was about proving to myself what is possible with commitment, passion, and the willingness to show up every single day.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I feel incredibly blessed to have discovered my passion for art early in life and to have had the opportunity to pursue it as a lifelong dream. From a young age, I was drawn to the transformative power of creativity, and it has shaped every aspect of who I am.

This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. Each challenge along the way has reinforced my belief in the importance of following your heart and staying true to what drives you. Pursuing my dream has not only enriched my life but also given me a profound sense of purpose.

Now, I feel inspired to share my knowledge and experiences with others. My goal is to empower and encourage people to follow their own dreams, no matter how ambitious or unconventional they may seem. I believe that passion is a powerful force—when nurtured, it can unlock potential, build resilience, and create a fulfilling life.

Through teaching, mentoring, and creating, I strive to show others that their dreams are worth pursuing and that the journey, with all its twists and turns, is as valuable as the destination.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yonghongzhong.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yonghong.zhong.9/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064729116645
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yhzhongwatercolor

Image Credits

Yong Hong Zhong