We were lucky to catch up with Jingjing Fang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jingjing, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’m truly honored to be a creative artist. I used to work full-time in the design industry, where I received six years of professional education. While my design skills, focused on aesthetics and human-centered approaches, stood out during my studies, they often clashed with the realities of the industry.

In my job, despite my training in creativity, I found it challenging to apply those skills due to market downturns and the industrialized processes of many companies. Although I had a stable full-time position, I often felt that my talents were underutilized.

Recently, I had a moment of reflection about my career path. I was working on a project for the TV show The Masked Singer (Seasons 10-12), where I was involved in set design and virtual production. As I was immersed in this creative process, I briefly considered what it would be like to have a regular job again—one with predictable tasks and routines.

In that moment, I could vividly picture myself sitting in a cubicle, staring at spreadsheets instead of vibrant designs. While the idea of a steady paycheck was appealing, I quickly realized that the joy of creating and the thrill of artistic expression far outweighed the comfort of a regular job.

Ultimately, I concluded that while stability is important, the fulfillment I derive from being an artist and utilizing my design background makes the uncertainty of my current path worthwhile. I’m grateful for the opportunity to express my creativity and to engage in projects that truly resonate with me, allowing me to blend my past experiences with my passions.

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 name is Jingjing Fang, and I graduated from UCLA with a Master’s in Architecture (M.S.AUD) in 2022. Currently, I’m working in the VFX industry as an Unreal Engine Artist and 3D artist. I create stunning 3D environments in Unreal Engine for real-time virtual production and cinematic animation across various fields, including games, advertisements, and architectural visualization. I utilize a range of software such as Cinema 4D, Maya, and Substance to bring my visions to life.

What sets my work apart is my ability to adapt my artistic style to meet different needs, whether it’s whimsical, horror-themed, mystical, or rich natural landscapes. Drawing from years of design experience and aesthetic development, I’ve cultivated a unique visual approach that incorporates lighting, camera work, material application, and storytelling. I strive to balance mainstream tastes with my independent style.

Many of my pieces evoke a dreamlike quality, often inspired by my own dreams. I capture those fantastical worlds I visit at night and translate them into concept art during the day, allowing boundless ideas to evolve into diverse projects. My goal is for my art to inspire others and bring joy, which I see as a core responsibility of an artist.

In my recent solo exhibition in Los Angeles, I focused on creating interactive pieces that engaged viewers, reaffirming my commitment to the heart of artistry. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is not just about visual appeal; it’s about creating meaningful connections and experiences through art. I hope to light up others’ inspiration and invite them into the magical worlds I create.

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

I wish I had known earlier that some online courses, though they offer structured learning and well-packaged systems to help you reach your goals, including great networking opportunities, have limited value when it comes to truly growing as an artist. If you’re just looking to acquire technical skills, they can be useful. However, if you want to develop your artistic abilities and build a unique career, these courses can only take you so far.

When you’re doing creative work, you need to draw from your own memories, thoughts, and especially (personal insights. Overly commercialized courses can diminish that, and if you become too dependent on these packaged programs, your personal learning path may become restricted. Instead of consuming what’s prepared by others, it’s better to assess whether that “food” suits your taste and take the time to cook something that is truly nourishing for your own growth. The same applies to building connections—don’t approach networking with excessive intent or goal orientation. Instead, work on enhancing your own qualities and attracting others with confidence. Building relationships is a two-way process, not just about your own efforts.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a freelancer, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with the pressure of unstable income. I particularly remember a time after I left my job in the design industry, where I went through a long period of uncertainty. During this phase, I used my previous skills to pick up scattered freelance design projects and significantly increased my social activity on various job platforms.

I went as far as reaching out to around 1,000 people in just one month. Every message I sent was personalized based on their profile, not a copied template, which took a lot of time but helped me connect with more potential collaborators and companies. This effort greatly contributed to building my personal brand. Even after my freelance work became more stable, I didn’t stop networking. I maintained several genuine friendships that I found through these platforms, and they later provided significant support for both my exhibitions and personal life.

I would say that staying flexible in networking to manage the uncertainty of freelance income has been a key aspect of my resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fangjingjingart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jingjing_zqer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingjing-fang-b1938822a/

Image Credits

Photographer: 4C gallery Lelun Gong, Lecan Li