We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Neko Jiang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Neko below.

Neko, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In the year 2020, I embarked on a creative journey that culminated in the creation of my very own graphic novel, which I titled “Allergen.” This project was a significant part of my visual thesis for my graduate studies. The central narrative of the story revolves around the growth and development of a peculiar relationship between a caterpillar with a cat face and a nude girl, which ultimately leads to a profound understanding of trust. “Allergen” was inspired by a traumatic past relationship that left me emotionally and physically scarred. After ending the relationship, I began to experience severe allergic reactions, which manifested as hives on my lips, tongue, and throat. The pain, both physical and mental, was excruciating, and I made a conscious decision to use my experience as a source of inspiration for my graphic novel.
The creation of “Allergen” was a first for me on many levels. It was my maiden attempt at graphic novel creation, and it was also the first time I experimented with gouache and colored pencils. The use of metaphors in the narrative allowed me to incorporate my genuine feelings into the creation of the work.

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

Six years ago, I relocated to New York City with the objective of pursuing a degree in illustration. Prior to that, I had been worked as an animation creator in China, driven by my passion for storytelling. The animation I produced was a reflection of my upbringing and personal experiences, and I relied on organic mediums such as pencil drawing and paper-cut stop motion to bring my ideas to life. However, upon moving to New York, my artistic style underwent a significant shift. I began to incorporate digital techniques into my work, and my color palette became bolder and more diverse. My illustrations became more focused on capturing the fleeting moments in life that inspired me, and I became increasingly enamored with the expressive power of the medium.
The shift to digital art allowed me to explore a new range of techniques, and I became more adept at using a wide range of tools to bring my vision to life. I found myself drawn to the infinite possibilities of digital illustration and began experimenting with various styles, using bold colors and shapes to create dynamic, eye-catching compositions.
In essence, my move to New York marked a significant turning point in my career as an artist. While my roots in animation and storytelling remained a constant source of inspiration, the shift to illustration allowed me to explore new possibilities and expand my creative horizons. Today, I continue to work on projects that capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us, using my skills and my passion to tell stories in innovative and engaging ways.

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

When I first started posting my art on social media, I didn’t have many followers. It took time and consistent effort to build a following. One key strategy that helped me build my audience was to post my art regularly and consistently. By sharing my work on a consistent basis, I was able to stay on my followers’ radar and keep them engaged. I also made sure to respond to comments and messages from my followers, which helped to build a sense of community and connection.
Another strategy that helped me build my following was to collaborate with other artists and creators. By working with other creators, I was able to tap into their audiences and gain exposure to new followers. I also participated in social media challenges and art prompts, which helped me connect with other artists and gain visibility in the art community.
Lastly, I think it’s important to be authentic and true to yourself when building a social media presence. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and share your journey as an artist. Authenticity and vulnerability can help to build a sense of connection with your followers and make your content more relatable.
For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice would be to stay consistent, engage with your followers, and seek out collaborations and opportunities to connect with other creators. And most importantly, remember to stay true to yourself and share your unique perspective with the world.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

As an illustrator and artist, I believe that society can do several things to best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem. First and foremost, society can recognize and value the importance of art and creativity in our lives. Art plays an essential role in our culture, from bringing joy and beauty to our daily lives to providing commentary and social critique. Recognizing the value of art and creativity can help to encourage support for artists and creatives.
Another way society can support artists and creatives is by providing resources and opportunities for them to develop their skills and showcase their work. This can include things like funding for art programs, public art installations, and artist residencies. Additionally, support for emerging artists and creatives can help to nurture the next generation of talent.
It’s also essential for society to support fair compensation and opportunities for artists and creatives. This includes fair pay for their work and protection of their intellectual property rights.
Lastly, society can help to create a culture that values diversity and inclusivity in the creative arts. This means supporting artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds and providing opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nekojiang.com
• Instagram: @nekoojiang