We recently connected with Dian Shuai and have shared our conversation below.

Dian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m genuinely happy as a musical artist and film composer. This profession deeply resonates with my passion for storytelling through music and feels like a natural extension of my upbringing. I grew up in a household of artists—both my parents are sculptors whose work was inherently creative and flexible. Their lifestyle shaped my understanding of work and instilled in me an appreciation for the freedom and creativity that come with a career in the arts.

As a composer, I’ve embraced a similar way of life. I love the process of crafting music to tell stories—it’s like breathing life into a project and giving it its soul. Each composition is a unique journey, and the sense of fulfillment I gain from creating something meaningful fuels my passion and drives me forward.

Of course, this career has its challenges. Unlike a traditional job, it lacks the predictability of fixed hours or a steady income. This demands a high level of self-discipline and a constant drive to innovate and grow. I’m always pushing my creative boundaries, not just to stay relevant but to ensure I remain personally satisfied with my work.

One moment that stands out was during a late-night project with a tight deadline. The uncertainty and pressure of freelancing felt particularly overwhelming, and I caught myself wondering if life might be simpler with a conventional job. However, as I delved deeper into the creative process, I was reminded of how much joy and meaning I derive from composing music. That moment reaffirmed my commitment to this path. While the instability can be challenging, the fulfillment and purpose I find in my work far outweigh the drawbacks.

Dian, 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?

I started learning piano and music at a young age, but it wasn’t until I turned 18 that I decided to pursue music as my college major. During my sophomore year, I discovered my passion for film scoring—a field that resonated deeply with my love for cinematic music. I’ve always admired the works of Hollywood composers like Hans Zimmer, Brian Tyler, John Williams and Japaese media composers like Joe Hisaishi and Takayuki Hattori, among others, whose music inspired me to explore this craft.

After earning my undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, I enrolled in the Eastman School of Music the same year, where I pursued a Master’s in Contemporary Media and Film Composition under the mentorship of Mark Watters and Jeff Beal. My time at Eastman was transformative, pushing me to grow as a composer and equipping me with the skills to enter the professional world confidently.

I provide a wide range of music composition services, including but not limited to film and television scoring, musical theater composition, and commissioned music projects tailored to specific needs. My strength lies in storytelling through music. My writing style is rooted in the tradition of Western art and orchestral music, often blending Baroque and Classical influences with modern techniques and new elements. By combining various instrumental textures, I create melodies and scores that are both moving and memorable.

What sets me apart is my ability to craft music that instantly immerses listeners and evokes vivid imagery. My clients often praise the cinematic quality of my work, emphasizing its strong emotional and visual impact. I’m proud to have a diverse creative range, from composing dark, Gothic-style musicals to scoring films of various genres, and from orchestrating large-scale symphonies to creating intimate piano solos. My work is vibrant, versatile, and designed to meet the unique needs of every project.

Above all, I strive to create music that not only supports but elevates the story, leaving a lasting impression on both clients and audiences.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One of the resources that has profoundly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking is Laozi’s Tao Te Ching. This ancient Chinese text has been a guiding light in both my personal and professional philosophy. The concept of the “Tao” represents the fundamental principles that govern the natural flow of the universe. By aligning one’s actions with the Tao, life and work can become more harmonious, effective, and effortless.

The Tao Te Ching teaches me the value of humility, selflessness, and adaptability—qualities that are essential not just in leadership but in all aspects of life. One of its key lessons is captured in the phrase “上善若水” (Shang Shan Ruo Shui), which translates to “The highest good is like water.” Water nurtures all living things without competing or striving for recognition. It adapts to its environment, flowing effortlessly around obstacles while maintaining its strength and persistence. This idea inspires me to lead and create with a spirit of service, flexibility, and resilience, focusing on the greater good rather than personal gain.

Another powerful lesson from the Tao Te Ching is the principle of “无为” (Wu Wei), or non-action—not in the sense of doing nothing but in taking actions that are natural, intuitive, and unforced. This has shaped how I approach challenges and collaborations. Instead of trying to control or dominate situations, I focus on observing, understanding, and working with the natural flow of events and people.

Ultimately, the Tao Te Ching has taught me the importance of striving for balance: to work diligently yet remain detached from ego, to pursue excellence while staying grounded in simplicity, and to lead by serving others. These principles have not only made my creative and entrepreneurial endeavors more meaningful but have also brought a sense of clarity and peace to my journey.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, creating a supportive environment for artists and creatives involves a multi-faceted approach that nurtures both the individual artist and the broader creative ecosystem. The first step is to recognize that creativity is not just a form of personal expression but a critical driver of culture, innovation, and societal progress. By valuing the contributions of artists and creatives, society can begin to lay the foundation for a thriving creative landscape.

One essential aspect is access to resources and education. Art and creativity should be seen as integral parts of early education and lifelong learning. Providing robust arts education and creative opportunities at all levels can help nurture talent and inspire future generations of creators. Furthermore, offering affordable or accessible training, workshops, and mentorship programs ensures that artists have the skills and guidance to refine their craft.

Another important factor is financial support and fair compensation. While creative work is often intangible, its value is immense. Society can support artists by providing more accessible grants, funding, and sponsorship opportunities, as well as fostering fair pay for creative labor. By establishing mechanisms that allow artists to sustain themselves financially—whether through grants, commissions, or royalties—society empowers creatives to focus on their work without the constant pressure of financial instability.

Collaboration and networking opportunities are also crucial. Creative communities thrive when artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations come together to share ideas and collaborate. Public and private institutions can create platforms for collaboration, ensuring that artists can engage with diverse sectors and reach wider audiences. These networks can be invaluable for both emerging and established creatives, helping them connect with peers, mentors, and potential patrons.

Furthermore, fostering a culture of respect and recognition for the arts is key. This involves elevating the status of artists in society, not only as entertainers but as contributors to culture, history, and identity. Governments, media, and cultural institutions should actively promote the arts and advocate for their importance in societal development. Public art, in particular, plays a crucial role in making art accessible to all members of society, ensuring that creativity reaches beyond the confines of galleries or concert halls.

Lastly, I believe in the importance of creating an inclusive and diverse creative ecosystem. Ensuring that artists from all backgrounds and walks of life have equal opportunities to thrive is vital for the richness and vitality of the creative world. This includes supporting underrepresented voices and providing platforms for those who may not otherwise have access to the resources they need to succeed.

In short, supporting artists and creatives requires a collective effort from individuals, institutions, and society at large. By investing in education, providing financial support, fostering collaboration, and cultivating respect for the arts, we can build a creative ecosystem where art and culture can flourish.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dianshuaimusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianshuai_music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551764927039
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dian-shuai-9421b72aa/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dianshuaimusic?si=-AosmBVe__GD56Z6
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/CMxrsyPkYCBCB8oSA

Image Credits

Wenxin Luo