Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Feixue Mei. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Feixue, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

A significant trend in design is the increasing use of AI to enhance creativity and efficiency. AI can streamline workflows, generate new ideas, and automate repetitive tasks, expanding creative possibilities.

However, this trend also brings concerns, such as the potential loss of personal touch in design, issues of ownership, and the risk of job displacement. Finding the right balance between leveraging AI and maintaining human creativity is essential as this technology continues to develop.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Feixue Mei, a designer, artist, illustrator, and educator originally from China and currently based in Virginia as an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at James Madison University. My journey into the creative field began with a deep passion for visual storytelling and design, which led me to pursue an MFA in Design with a concentration in Visual Communication from Virginia Commonwealth University.

My work encompasses a range of creative expressions, including conceptual art, illustration, and graphic design. I’m known for creating dynamic key art for social media and websites and actively participating in exhibitions and art book fairs both nationally and internationally. My practice is influenced by internet culture, animation, comics, Surrealism, and Chinese folk art, exploring themes such as fluid identity, otherness, and mistranslation, particularly within East Asian fan communities.

What sets me apart is my approach to design, which blends a maximalist aesthetic with a commitment to social justice, decolonization, and accessibility. I am dedicated to challenging conventional boundaries and empowering marginalized voices through my work. Additionally, I focus on integrating digital media and collaborative practices to push creative limits and foster community engagement.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a commitment to both artistic innovation and social impact. I aim to create visuals that capture the imagination and provoke thought and dialogue, addressing important issues through a creative lens.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice

I find NFTs to be an intriguing development in the art and design world. They offer a unique way to establish ownership and provenance for digital works, which is a significant step forward in a space where authenticity and originality can be challenging to prove.

On the positive side, NFTs provide exciting opportunities for creators. They can open up new markets and reach global audiences, and the ability to earn royalties from secondary sales is a game-changer for many artists. Additionally, NFTs allow for innovative forms of digital art, including interactive and programmable pieces.

However, there are also important concerns. The environmental impact of NFT transactions, particularly on energy-intensive blockchains, is troubling. The market can be highly volatile, making it hard for artists to predict their income and for collectors to make stable investments. There are also issues around intellectual property and the potential for misuse of digital content.

Overall, while NFTs offer significant potential, it’s crucial to approach them thoughtfully, balancing their benefits with the challenges they present.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is driven by a mission to challenge conventional boundaries and empower marginalized voices through art and design. I aim to create work that not only captivates and engages but also provokes thought and fosters dialogue about important social issues.

I’m particularly focused on exploring themes of fluid identity, otherness, and mistranslation, especially within East Asian fan communities. I seek to integrate diverse cultural influences and innovative approaches to address topics such as social justice, decolonization, and accessibility in design.

Ultimately, my goal is to use my creative practice to inspire and support underrepresented communities, create spaces for meaningful conversation, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world through visual storytelling and artistic expression.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://feixuemei.info/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feixuefeixue/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feixue-mei-085014175/