Today we’d like to introduce you to Xena Zhang.

Hi Xena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m an artist and designer who thrives on creating meaningful connections between art, storytelling, and space. Growing up in Beijing, China, in a family of creatives, I was immersed in the power of storytelling from an early age. My grandfather’s writing inspired me to create my own worlds, first through stories and later through cartoons, drawing on the painting and drawing skills I began developing in the 5th grade. This passion for visualizing ideas and crafting narratives naturally led me to pursue interior design for my bachelor’s degree, where I began shaping spaces that invite people into compelling, emotional experiences.

My curiosity has always driven me to explore beyond traditional boundaries. During my undergraduate years, I pushed myself to experiment with storytelling across disciplines, even participating in a short film production to expand my perspective. When it came time to pursue my master’s degree, I chose the School of the Art Institute of Chicago—a place renowned for its interdisciplinary approach—because I knew it was the perfect environment to refine my vision. There, I embraced new media like ceramics, photography, and game design, each of which enhanced my ability to create spaces and experiences that are as functional as they are emotionally engaging.

Today, I’m proud to call myself a cross-disciplinary visual artist. As a full-time architect, I design spaces that merge form, function, and emotion. At the same time, I continue to push my creative boundaries to be an artist. Recently I mastering metalsmithing and jewelry-making. My ever-expanding list of pursuits includes silkscreen printing, bookbinding, and countless other artistic forms. I thrive on learning new skills, combining them with my expertise, and pushing the limits of what I can achieve.

I’ve achieved so much already, but my journey is far from over. Creativity is limitless, and I’m driven to explore, innovate, and craft work that inspires and connects on a profound level.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate for the path I’ve taken, but it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve worked hard and stayed determined, which has helped me navigate the challenges along the way.

One of the first major obstacles I faced was balancing my time during my studies. Architecture, my main major, is notoriously time-consuming, requiring immense effort and dedication. At the same time, my curiosity pulled me toward other disciplines—I was eager to explore everything from fine arts to new technologies. But with limited time, I couldn’t fully immerse myself in every area I wanted to master. Still, this challenge taught me the value of focus and adaptability, and I learned how to draw connections between disciplines.

Architecture, in particular, feels like being a director, orchestrating knowledge from various fields into a cohesive space. For example, when creating diagrams or renderings to tell a story, my fine art background helps me find the perfect composition and aesthetic. My love for storytelling allows me to frame the bigger picture and communicate compelling narratives. My graphic design skills enable me to work efficiently with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Rhino, while my patience and attention to detail guide me in crafting physical models and exploring materials.

When I entered the professional world, I faced a new set of challenges. Reality hit hard as I learned to prioritize construction budgets, navigate ever-changing client demands, and bridge the gap between a client’s vision and my artistic goals. Tasks like producing detailed construction drawings, visiting sites, and handling paperwork required a mindset shift. These practical aspects of architecture often felt disconnected from “art and design,” but they pushed me to grow in new ways.

I had to refine how I communicated my ideas, ensuring they were accessible to people unfamiliar with art or architecture. This meant focusing less on beauty alone and more on practicality and collaboration. I also discovered that cross-disciplinary methods, like using VR to visualize spaces or 3D printing to explain complex ideas, helped bridge gaps and align everyone’s understanding.

These challenges ultimately strengthened my ability to see from others’ perspectives and balance artistic vision with real-world constraints. Each obstacle has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of interdisciplinary thinking, all of which continue to drive me forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a cross-disciplinary visual artist and architect with over 16 years of experience in fine art, design, and architecture. My work is defined by a curious and open mind, which allows me to approach projects with an out-of-the-box perspective. I specialize in combining elements from various fields to create something new and meaningful, whether it’s a spatial design, a sculpture, or a visual narrative.

What sets me apart from other visual artists is my architecture background, which gives me a distinct advantage in thinking three-dimensionally. This perspective enables me to craft not just flat visuals but immersive, interactive spaces that invite exploration and engagement. I’m passionate about pushing traditional fine art into unique forms—breaking boundaries while maintaining a balance between functionality and beauty.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to merge storytelling with design. I believe every piece of art or space should have a story that resonates with its audience. Whether I’m designing an architectural space, creating a ceramic sculpture, or building a photography book, I always consider how people will experience and interact with the work. For me, art is a dialogue, not a monologue, and this focus on the artist-audience relationship is at the heart of everything I do.

My wide-ranging skill set also sets me apart. From my early training in fine arts, where I learned composition and technique, to my exploration of cutting-edge tools like parametric modeling and VR, I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow. Recently, I’ve been diving into metalsmithing and jewelry-making, adding even more dimensions to my practice. This continuous learning fuels my creativity and enables me to connect ideas from different disciplines in innovative ways.

Ultimately, I’m proud of my ability to take risks, challenge conventions, and create work that feels both original and deeply thoughtful. My passion for storytelling, curiosity about the world, and commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration are what drive me to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For those just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and keep an open mind. Curiosity is the fuel for creativity and growth—it pushes you to learn, explore, and discover new ways of thinking. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore disciplines beyond your main focus. You never know how a skill or perspective from one field can transform your work in another.

I also recommend embracing the idea that perfection is a process, not a destination. When I was starting out, I often felt anxious about the unknown or worried that I wasn’t good enough. But I’ve learned that taking action, even when you feel uncertain, is the key to progress. Experiment, make mistakes, and let those experiences shape your growth. Each step, no matter how small, adds up over time. If you’re curious about something—even if it seems unrelated to your main focus—dive in. Those explorations will make your work more dynamic and uniquely yours.

Finally, be patient with yourself. Building a creative career takes time and resilience. Celebrate small victories, learn from challenges, and stay focused on your passion. Surround yourself with inspiring people and experiences that keep your creativity alive. Your path will be uniquely yours, so embrace it wholeheartedly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xenazhang.com/
• Instagram: xena_owo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xenazhang97/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/xxxenazhang