We recently connected with Jiaxin Wang and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jiaxin, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned in school and why that lesson is important to you?
During my time at NYU, the multidisciplinary combination of courses greatly influenced my voice as an artist. While pursuing a filmmaking degree, I also explored electives in psychology, sociology, political science, and linguistics. I also pursued a minor in comparative literature, which deepened my understanding of diverse narratives and the human experience.
The lesson crystallized in a comparative literature seminar on post-colonial narratives. While discussing Chinua Achebe’s work, our professor asked, “What does this story tell us about power and the universality of human struggles?” In that moment, I realized that storytelling isn’t just entertainment—it’s a tool to capture human complexity and our shared experiences.
My electives reinforced this idea. Sociology taught me about structural inequality, psychology helped me craft authentic characters, linguistics revealed how language shapes perception, and political science provided insight into power dynamics. This interdisciplinary perspective transformed my filmmaking, enabling me to write authentic characters and to tell stories that resonate on multiple levels.
Jiaxin, 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’m a director specializing in short films, music videos, and commercials, with a focus on blending innovative visuals with a compelling narrative.
What sets me apart is my ability to create visually striking and emotionally impactful work within contained budgets. I see budgetary constraints not as limitations but as opportunities to push creative boundaries, finding unique solutions to bring visions to life.
Whether working on a plot-driven short film, a dynamic music video, or a brand-focused commercial, I strive to craft work that leaves a lasting impression. One of my greatest achievements has been consistently finding creative solutions that balance artistic ambition with practical constraints, proving that powerful storytelling doesn’t require endless resources—just vision, passion, and collaboration.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to transform abstract ideas into tangible, impactful creations. Manifesting concepts into grounded work is incredibly fulfilling, especially when the spark of creativity ignites during collaboration with other talented individuals. There’s a special magic in that process—taking a vision that starts as a fleeting idea and shaping it into something that resonates with others.
I also find immense joy in exploring new and innovative ways to use video as a medium. Whether it’s reimagining narrative structures, experimenting with visual styles, or pushing the boundaries of storytelling within a contained budget, the potential for creativity in this field feels limitless. Every project becomes a chance to challenge norms, connect with audiences in fresh ways, and create something unique.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
One aspect of the creative journey that non-creatives may find difficult to grasp is that the compulsion to create transcends the personal—it is universal. Creativity is not merely an act of self-expression but a shared endeavor, a means of connecting with others through the intangible yet deeply resonant language of art.
The process itself is often misunderstood as emotionally driven or impulsive. In truth, it is a demanding and profoundly vulnerable undertaking. It involves confronting self-doubt, navigating rejection, and enduring the unrelenting expectation to push boundaries. Yet, the impulse to create persists, fueled by the intrinsic desire to give shape to ideas that might otherwise remain unspoken.
The true fulfillment lies in witnessing the impact of one’s work—how it stirs emotions, provokes thought, or shifts perspectives. To know that something you’ve created can inspire, move, or ignite dialogue is the ultimate reward. It is not simply about producing something aesthetically pleasing but about forging connections that remind us of our shared humanity. This, I believe, is the essence of creativity: a universal force that bridges the personal and the collective, the tangible and the transcendent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jiaxin-w.com/
- Instagram: @jx083x
