We recently connected with Kaiqi Zhang and have shared our conversation below.

Kaiqi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

There are moments when I wonder what it would be like to have a “normal” job, one with predictable hours and clear-cut responsibilities. One such moment came during an intense theater production, where I was responsible for costume design under immense time pressure. The nights were long, the problem-solving relentless—last-minute alterations, sourcing emergency fabrics, ensuring everything looked perfect under stage lighting. I was exhausted, and for a brief moment, I thought, Wouldn’t it be easier to work a job where I could just clock out at the end of the day?

But then, opening night arrived. Seeing my designs come to life, watching the actors embody their characters through the costumes I created, and feeling the collective energy of the performance reminded me why I do this. The rush of seeing an audience transported into a world I helped build is incomparable. My work isn’t just about making costumes—it’s about storytelling, bringing history and fantasy to life, and collaborating to create something larger than myself.

I have always been curious and open to exploring different paths—whether it was working in different industries, immersing myself in different cultures, or my deep love for animals. I’ve lived in multiple countries and experienced diverse ways of life, which have shaped my creative perspective. Through all these experiences, I never felt lost; I was simply exploring. In the end, I didn’t just choose costume design—costume design chose me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As a costume designer and visual storyteller, I specialize in historical and fantasy-style costume design for theater, film, and performance art. My work is deeply rooted in historical research, creative development, and visual storytelling, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

My journey into costume design has been one of exploration. I have always been curious about different artistic disciplines, industries, and cultures, having lived and worked in multiple countries. From studying costume design in London, Antwerp, and Los Angeles to participating in theater productions, film sets, and museum collaborations, my experiences have shaped my unique way of telling stories through costumes. While I have explored many different creative paths, costume design ultimately chose me—my love for history, character development, and visual expression converges here.

I provide costume design solutions for theater, film, and performance art, from concept to final execution. My work includes: blending authenticity with creativity, from hand-sewn period costumes to contemporary fashion-forward designs, telling character-driven stories through costumes, enhancing performances through design, translating ideas into sketches and presentations, photography and video editing, capturing costumes in their best light, making stories not just about clothing, but vivid and alive.

My multicultural background and diverse industry experience allow me to bring fresh and adaptable perspectives to each project. I not only design costumes but also craft immersive narratives through fabric, texture, and silhouette. My ability to merge history, mythology, and fantasy into compelling visual storytelling makes my work distinct.

Additionally, my proficiency in Adobe, animation, and projection mapping enables me to integrate digital technology into costume and stage design, pushing the boundaries of traditional costume design.

One of my proudest achievements is being named a Top 10 Semifinalist in WDI Imaginations 2024, a prestigious competition in the themed entertainment design field. This experience reinforced my ability to create immersive and interactive storytelling through design. I am also proud that my costume works have been exhibited in museum exhibitions, featured in art publications, and showcased in theater productions worldwide. Seeing my designs come to life on stage and screen, knowing that they contribute to telling a story that moves the audience, is the greatest reward.

I hope people understand my work—costume design is not just about clothing; it is a narrative tool that shapes characters, emotions, and atmosphere. Whether it is a meticulously researched period piece or a fantasy ensemble that transports the audience to another world, my goal is always to enhance storytelling through visual artistry.

I want people to know that I approach each project with passion, precision, and a deep appreciation for history and culture. Whether collaborating with production teams, individual clients, or working on experimental projects, I am committed to bringing creativity, technical expertise, and a unique perspective to every design challenge. Ultimately, my work is about breathing life into stories, and I look forward to continuing to do so, one costume at a time.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I see NFTs as a tool with both creative potential and challenges. The idea of digital ownership and provenance is fascinating, especially for artists looking to protect and monetize their work globally. The ability to embed royalties into digital assets could empower independent creators. However, concerns like market speculation, sustainability, and copyright issues make me cautious. While I appreciate how NFTs push the boundaries of digital art and interactive storytelling, I believe their real value lies in meaningful application, not just hype. If used responsibly, they could be a game-changer for artists, but their long-term impact remains to be seen.

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

Building my audience on social media has been a gradual and organic process, driven by consistent storytelling, authenticity, and engaging visuals. As a costume designer, I focus on sharing behind-the-scenes insights, creative processes, and final designs, allowing my followers to see not just the finished work but the journey behind it.

I make sure to regularly update my page to keep the content rich and engaging, using various tags to reach people with shared interests. This helps my work connect with a broader audience, from fellow designers to theater and film enthusiasts. I’ve found that people resonate most with process-driven content, so I share everything from historical research and fabric choices to final fittings. Engaging with the community—whether through collaborations, comments, or design challenges—has also played a key role in expanding my reach.

For those starting out, consistency, authenticity, and interaction are essential. Share your journey, experiment with different formats, and connect with like-minded creatives. The right audience will find you when your passion and creativity shine through.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tammy.qio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_self_edit_contact-info%3BdRKKcQFcT5mf5hKJhO4HEw%3D%3D
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tammyqio581

Image Credits

by myself