We recently connected with Bobi Zhou and have shared our conversation below.
Bobi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative and artistic path professionally during my high school years in Milwaukee, thanks to an inspiring art teacher Mr.Dietz. He introduced me to various forms of art, such as acrylic and oil painting, watercolor, and sculpture, and even registered me for art competitions. Engaging in these creative activities, I discovered that creativity was more than just a hobby; it was a profound way to connect with others and express my inner thoughts and feelings. This realization grew stronger over the years through various internships and personal projects, eventually leading me to a career that combines my creative passion with my academic background in business.
Bobi, 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?
After snagging my diploma in Economics and Business, I was naive enough to think life would toss me into the right career slot. But nope, the universe had other plans. Investment banking wasn’t fulfilling as it lacked the creative integration I yearned for in my career. It gets me to be consciously aware of my personal values and what my interests are and it gets me actively thinking about them. So that when those coincidences do happen in my life, I’m ready for them, ready to take the opportunity and act on them. My quest for clarity led me through diverse internships—from photography studios to fintech and marketing agencies—shaping my vision and introducing me to inspiring individuals and projects.
Fast forward to graduation with Master’s in Marketing from NYU, and here I am at an advertising agency, diving deep into brand strategy, which aligns with my career vision. This role offers me the opportunity to stand infront of a room and dishing out nuggets on branding, creativity, and business. . Communicating in English, which is not my native language, presents unique challenges. It’s not about vocabulary; rather, it’s about not feeling as fluent or culturally intuitive as my native-born colleagues. However, this difference has become my strength, giving me a fresh take that often goes unnoticed by others.
My journey didn’t just stop at landing a full-time job. I also plunged into the music scene, getting my first DDJ, learning music production through an online school, and releasing my first techno track. The rush of emotions I felt playing my own track through a club’s sound system for the first time was overwhelming. Watching the dance floor come alive with my closest friends and other open-minded souls was truly a beautiful sight. This deep passion for music and culture not only enriches my life but also connects me with like-minded individuals, enhancing both my personal and professional worlds.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
In my opinion, society could truly elevate artists and nurture a vibrant creative scene if we appreciated creative endeavors as much as everyday essentials. Look at New York: both a salad and a ticket to a curated artistic event might cost $25. People don’t blink at waiting 15 minutes for an overpriced salad, but balk at the same price for an artistic event. It’s crucial that we see the value in investing in artistic experiences, recognizing that the price of admission to a thoughtfully curated event isn’t just for entertainment—it supports arts and culture at large. Furthermore, promoting great work and properly crediting creators can significantly enhance their visibility and impact. It’s about time we give a bit more recognition and credit to artists who pour their souls into their work without the promise of returns.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Meditation, studying philosophy (such as Buddhism and Stoicism), and practicing yoga have been instrumental in guiding me through challenges and stress. Sure, life still flings crap my way. But when I take a moment to just sit, breathe, and reconnect with my awareness, things begin to shift. I picture the energy flowing through me, try to view my emotions from the outside, and really dial into the tiny details around me—the sounds, smells, and textures. These simple acts are my reset buttons, tough to press in the hustle of the city, but absolutely essential. Learn to have fun struggling.
Contact Info:
- Website: bobifun.com
- Instagram: bobi.b0b1 (https://www.instagram.com/bobi.b0b1/)
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xian-sharon-zhou-b2840a1a2/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA-r5ljW5iHd54GT33j1Ysw
Image Credits
Claire Wu (clairewu.cyw) IG: https://www.instagram.com/clairewu.cyw/