We were lucky to catch up with Diana Zhou recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diana, 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?
I’m happy to be an artist, all my meaningful or metaphorical ideas can be shared with audiences, and I love people talking about my artworks, I feel like that I am with them to sink into my world. However, when I hit a creative block while creating, I always feel very frustrated and wonder why what I draw never meets my expectations. I start to think, am I just too bad? Is my technique not good enough? I can’t help but think that it would be great to have a regular job, with fixed working hours each day, and the rest of the time being my own, where I can do whatever I want. But then I’m also very glad that I didn’t choose a regular job, because after completing those daily tasks, I’m not sure if I would still have enough time and energy left to allocate to what I really want to do, like creating art.
Diana, 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?
My name is Jinyue Zhou, and I am an illustrator and emerging animation artist. I first entered this field through illustration, and my curiosity for storytelling naturally led me into 2D animation. Inspired by both Chinese cultural heritage and the works of Studio Ghibli, I began teaching myself animation before deciding to continue my studies at ArtCenter College of Design.
I focus on illustration, animation, and visual storytelling. My work often blends Eastern aesthetics with cinematic narrative approaches, creating images that are not only visually striking but also emotionally layered. For clients, I aim to provide more than just visuals—I offer stories, atmospheres, and cultural depth that help their ideas stand out and resonate.
What makes me different is my perspective: I combine the discipline of black-and-white linework with a growing exploration of color, and I pay close attention to camera language and movement, bringing a film-like quality to my images.
One project I am most proud of is Birth, an illustrated book where I spent over 70 hours refining both technique and emotional expression. It represents my belief that art is not only about skill, but also about leaving behind something meaningful.
Ultimately, I want my audience to know that my work is about connection—bridging cultures, emotions, and stories. My long-term dream is to contribute to the revival of Chinese animation on a global stage.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to create art that anyone in the world can understand, no matter their background. Long before we had written language, we had images, and I believe pictures are still the most universal way to communicate. That’s why I share my work on social media—I want people to not only see it, but also feel what I’m trying to say. At the same time, I carry a bigger dream: to help bring Chinese animation back onto the world stage and show how powerful our stories can be.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think one of the best ways society can support artists is by encouraging collaboration across disciplines. When art connects with fields like technology, science, or social issues, it creates new possibilities and helps creativity reach wider audiences.
It’s also important to value diverse voices. Art should not only reflect one perspective, but many—coming from different cultures, identities, and experiences. When these voices are seen and heard, the creative ecosystem becomes richer and more relevant.
Finally, I believe artists need a safe and inclusive environment where they can take risks, experiment, and even fail without fear. Creativity grows in spaces where people feel supported rather than judged. By fostering collaboration, diversity, and inclusivity, society can help artists not only survive, but truly thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dianazartwork.net/
- Instagram: dnzhannna
- Facebook: Jinyue Zhou
- Twitter: diana_zhou349
Image Credits
Jinyue Zhou