We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jing Zhang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jing below.

Hi Jing, 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?

I find being an artist very joyful, but I do occasionally imagine what it would be like to have a regular job. For instance, the last time I had this thought was when I was preparing for an exhibition but hit a creative block and felt immense pressure. During that period, I couldn’t find any inspiration and became quite low-spirited. I spent long hours in the studio every day without making any progress.

One evening, while walking home, I saw delivery drivers on their electric bikes zipping through different parts of the city. They looked busy but seemed fulfilled. I suddenly thought that if I could have a stable job like theirs, with regular hours, perhaps life would be much simpler.

However, after some reflection, I realized that every job has its challenges and significance. As an artist, although I sometimes face creative blocks, the sense of accomplishment after overcoming them is irreplaceable. The stability of a regular job and the freedom of artistic creation each have their pros and cons. The key is to find what you truly love and work hard for it.

In the end, I concluded that no matter what kind of job you choose, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and find a lifestyle that makes you feel happy and fulfilled. This realization has made me cherish every moment as an artist even more. Even though I sometimes feel lost, this is the path I’ve chosen, and I will continue to follow it.

Jing, 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 entered the world of illustration out of pure passion. I’ve been drawing since I was a child, and my mother enrolled me in art classes, which laid the foundation for my career path.

I primarily provide illustrations for books, fan art, and packaging. These works are not just forms of artistic expression but also visual tools to convey my clients’ messages. Through my illustrations, I help clients better present their stories, products, or brand images, making their projects more attractive and impactful.

What sets me apart is my ability to work in various styles. While I have a preference for flat and thickly painted styles, I am adept at adapting to different styles based on client needs, ensuring that the artwork perfectly matches their expectations. This versatility allows me to engage in a wider range of projects and makes my work more competitive in the market.

I am most proud of the fact that my illustrations can touch people’s hearts and create value for my clients. Every time I see my work being widely recognized and appreciated, I feel a great sense of satisfaction and pride.

I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand is one of creativity and diversity. My work goes beyond mere drawing; it’s about conveying emotions and stories through visual art. I hope that through my creations, people can experience the charm of art and be left with a lasting impression.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

As an artist, I have mixed feelings about NFTs .

On the positive side, NFTs provide a new platform and opportunity for artists. Through NFTs, artists can sell and showcase their work directly in the global market without intermediaries. This not only increases the artist’s income but also allows more people to access their work. Additionally, the decentralized nature of NFTs and blockchain technology ensures the ownership and provenance of artworks, preventing forgery and piracy.

Moreover, the widespread use of NFTs is changing people’s perception of the value of art. Some might focus more on investment and speculation, neglecting the aesthetic and emotional value of the artwork itself. This phenomenon could affect the original intent of artistic creation and the mindset of the artists.

I hope artists will devote more time and effort to artistic creation rather than being swayed by market trends and the speculative nature of NFTs. It’s important to strike a balance between embracing new technologies and preserving the intrinsic and meaningful value of art.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had discovered the “Handbook Pricing & Ethical Guidelines” earlier. This book has been incredibly useful to me, as it covers a lot of practical information such as how to negotiate fees, how to write contracts, and it also shares links to various illustration websites and competitions. These contents are invaluable for artists who are just starting their careers, helping us better understand the market and professional standards. The book is continuously updated, providing the latest industry information and guidance, which has greatly benefited my professional development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hellojing.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhangjingart/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Foggyjing

Image Credits

Personal works