We recently connected with Feimo Zhu and have shared our conversation below.
Feimo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
From my earliest memories, a profound passion for drawing has coursed through my veins. It became a defining aspect of my identity, so much so that my family affectionately bestowed upon me the moniker of “The Prolific Painter” – a title earned through the ceaseless flow of my artistic expressions.
Reflecting on my childhood, a particular anecdote stands out vividly. At the tender age of five, while the house lay still in the absence of my family, I seized a ballpoint pen as my instrument of creation, adorning the sheets with my whimsical doodles. Rather than meting out reprimands upon her return, my mother, with boundless grace, chose to foster my artistic spirit. Instead of criticism, she encouraged me to refine my craft. This pivotal moment I marked the genesis of her unwavering support for my artistic endeavors, setting the stage for a lifelong journey of learning and growth in painting.
Feimo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hello! Very very nice to meet you:) Please allow me to introduce myself quickly. My name is Feimo, a freelance illustrator who has always been interested in interdisciplinary research. I am eager to communicate with people from different academic backgrounds. I am very interested in doing comics/posters/editorials/book covers/science illustrations. Although my current main professional field is illustration, I also really enjoy doing 2D frame-by-frame hand-drawn animation. My work plays exquisite ink lines, intense colors, and rich textures. My unwavering passion centers around using my unique artistic voice to breathe life into narratives. I take great joy in employing my illustrative talents to convey beautiful and thought-provoking stories that deeply resonate with viewers.
Selected clients: S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, The Daily Orange, The School of Art of Syracuse University, Samsung, WHO, SUNY Upstate Medical University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, The University of Hong Kong, Swire Group, MET Museum, SHEIN, The Architecture Department of University of Kansas, UEI Group, etc.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Embarking on a career as a professional illustrator has revealed to me a treasure trove of invaluable opportunities. One of the most enriching aspects lies in the expansive exposure to diverse realms of knowledge and the cultivation of meaningful connections with fellow creatives. Illustration, being the visual language of design, seamlessly intertwines with a multitude of industries and businesses, providing a canvas for endless collaboration.
Engaging in conversations with experts across various academic disciplines has proven to be an enlightening journey. The fluidity of illustration allows for seamless integration with different fields, fostering an environment where one can glean fascinating insights from professionals in unrelated domains. These interactions serve as a gateway to a reservoir of interesting and novel knowledge, elevating my understanding and broadening the scope of my creative horizons.
Drawing from personal experiences, a stint as a scientific illustrator stands out vividly. Collaborating with biologists not only allowed me to contribute visually to their work but also opened the door to absorbing intricate biological knowledge. This unique opportunity expanded my intellectual landscape, transcending the boundaries of my professional niche. The joy derived from such cross-disciplinary exchanges remains a testament to the immense satisfaction and growth that comes from communicating with experts across diverse professions.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My lifelong aspiration has been to forge a universal artistic language. In a world where understanding can be obscured by diverse cultures and disparate life experiences, I hold steadfast to the belief that art transcends these barriers. My vision is to employ my artistic creations as a medium for global communication, enabling a shared dialogue that traverses the boundaries of language and cultural distinctions.
Through my art, I aspire to connect with individuals worldwide, fostering a sense of unity that surpasses geographical and societal divides. Beyond mere communication, I envision my artistic endeavors as a catalyst for positive change, striving to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people across the globe. Art, in its universality, possesses the remarkable potential to bridge gaps, evoke empathy, and contribute to a more interconnected and compassionate world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://feimoart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feimoart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feimo-z-980b95200/
- Other: https://www.behance.net/feimoart
Image Credits
Feimo Zhu