We recently connected with Fengyi Ye and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Fengyi, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

In my artistic journey, I’ve observed a notable shift in my emotional landscape. What once felt like a tumultuous roller-coaster ride has gradually transformed into a steadier state. This transformation hasn’t stemmed from a smoother path in art but from my evolving relationship with failure. Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to setbacks, learned to adapt to them, and even discovered moments of joy within them. There has been a significant shift in my mindset.

Most of the time on this artistic path, I find myself still navigating, trying to decipher the journey that lies ahead, feeling the weight of uncertainty. It’s only a tiny fraction, maybe 0.01% of the time, that I experience fleeting moments of achievement before resetting again. Most of the time, when I’m working on projects or themes I love, I approach it with anticipation. However, inevitably, there comes a phase of creative block and continuous trial and error. In the past, I might have felt crushed or internally drained during these moments, but now I focus more on solving problems rather than worrying about them.

I think that regardless of whether I stay in the field of art or venture into other domains, what matters most isn’t what I’m doing but the mindset with which I approach it. Life is essentially about continually solving problems. I really resonate with the Latin phrase “Per aspera ad astra” which means “Through hardships to the stars.” Perhaps in the future, I’ll explore different fields because I firmly believe that all experiences contribute to personal refinement. However, for now, my primary focus remains on creative realm.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My artistic exploration spans various mediums and styles. I engage in journaling, sketching, and other forms of creative expression, aiming to strike a balance between fulfilling commercial viability while authentically expressing myself and documenting life experiences. One of my standout commercial projects was the “Zodiac Rabbit 2023,” inspired by my fascination with “China-chic” culture. This endeavor garnered significant support on Chinese social media and unexpectedly drew attention internationally. It served as a pivotal moment, marking my entry into the illustration market and earning prestigious recognition such as the “World Illustration Awards 2023,” “Society of Illustrators,” and securing the “1st prize in New York International Fine Art Competition.”

Presently, I’m working on a series focusing on the Chinese zodiac signs, currently developing the project for Year of the Dragon. However, the intricacies of illustrating a dragon present a unique challenge compared to the previous Rabbit illustration. I’m in the experimental phase, exploring various elements and techniques to seamlessly integrate them into the dragon’s head, striving for coherence in structure and achieving intricate light and shadow effects.

I see myself as a multidisciplinary artist, constantly evolving and exploring various creative domains. My goal is to establish a personal brand by selling my handmade jewelry and practical product derivatives inspired by my artwork. I’ll start by joining overseas art markets, beginning with four Christmas-themed markets in December, as a low-cost way to gauge local demand. Interacting with fans face-to-face at the Jersey City Annual Art Fair in October was rewarding, and I signed limited editions for some attendees, valuing personal connections over studio seclusion. Ultimately, I strive to contribute more to the world, whether through my creations or intentions.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Collaborate and Support: Don’t hesitate to collaborate with fellow artists or friends within the industry. My friends and I regularly support each other by sharing our work across our social media stories. This mutual support has led to both their friends and mine discovering and following my account.

Consistency is Key: Stay active and consistent on social media. Regularly updating posts helps maintain an engaging and lively presence, ensuring that people remember and recognize my work.

Participate in Events: Taking part as a vendor in various art markets has been crucial in expanding my reach. Selling my artwork at these markets has exposed me to a wider audience. Additionally, I always make sure to have business cards with my website and social media details, enabling fans to easily connect with me and my work.

Submitting Entries to Illustration Competitions: Winning or being recognized in competitions not only boosts credibility but also draws attention to my social media profiles. When I received accolades such as the “World Illustration Awards 2023,” it significantly heightened my visibility on social media.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

In creative domains like illustration, the significance often lies in the underlying idea or concept rather than just technical proficiency. Sometimes, artworks may lack technical polish but possess a captivating concept that deeply connects with audiences.For us, as creatives, our focus extends beyond flawless execution. It encompasses innovation, storytelling, and the ability to evoke emotions or convey impactful messages through our art. Our goal is to stretch boundaries, explore new ideas, and create works that transcend mere technical excellence.

Occasionally, individuals outside the creative sphere may overlook pieces that don’t showcase exceptional technical skills but carry a unique concept or thought-provoking narrative. Understanding and appreciating this aspect can be a key factor in comprehending the richness and diversity within creative fields.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fengyiye-art.com
• Instagram: artblog.yfy