We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ke Xu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with KE below.
KE, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The first time I decided to pursue a creative path was during a small art market event at my undergraduate university. It was a market exclusively for students, so the crowd wasn’t very large. But when people purchased and complimented the products I created, it made me truly feel, for the first time, the impact of sharing my work with others. Before this, I only knew that I enjoyed crafting and drawing. However, after that day, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment I hadn’t experienced before. Seeing others appreciate my work made me realize how meaningful it could be to share my creativity with the world. That moment stayed with me and inspired me to seriously pursue a creative path.
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?
Most of my illustrations are nature-themed, with a strong focus on animals and plants. I enjoy drawing creatures both real and imagined, aiming to fill my work with a sense of spirit and vitality. Through my art, I want people to feel the presence of life beyond humanity, highlighting the wonder and diversity of the natural world.
I’m also a crafter, working with a variety of materials to create unique, decorative pieces. I make ceramics that are functional yet artistic, and I enjoy working with felt to create charming accessories like brooches. This hands-on approach lets me bring a playful, personal touch to each piece I create.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to connect with others through my work. When someone resonates with or finds pleasure in the work I create, it gives me a real sense of the idea that art can transcend personal expression and create a shared experience. In addition, the creative process itself is very rewarding. It allows me to explore my imagination, experiment with different materials, and continue to learn and grow as an artist. Each project is an opportunity to push boundaries and discover new aspects of creativity. This journey of self-discovery, coupled with the connections I make with others through my work, truly enriches my life as an artist.
How did you build your audience on social media?
For those just starting out, my advice is to share every piece you create. hesitated to post my work at first, often feeling dissatisfied or lacking confidence. I wanted to wait until I had created the perfect piece before sharing it. However, I realized that perfection is an illusion; I’ll never produce a flawless piece. There will always be aspects that I feel could be improved next time. Embracing the journey and sharing my progress became a vital part of my artistic growth, so I encourage others to do the same.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ke_emade
