We recently connected with Qianying Zhu and have shared our conversation below.

Qianying, appreciate you 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 feel deeply fulfilled as an artist, and the freedom it provides to shape my own schedule and work on projects that resonate with me is invaluable. My past experiences in full-time roles have reinforced that a flexible, creative lifestyle suits me best, allowing me to thrive in ways that a traditional 9-to-5 may not.
Right now, I’ve found a good balance, and my life is moving in a positive direction. I’m open to new work opportunities and collaborations, as connecting with diverse people is both inspiring and enriching. However, dedicating most of my time and energy to my art feels essential at this stage—it’s where I find the greatest satisfaction and sense of purpose.
While I don’t discount the possibility of a more conventional job in the future, I truly believe in blending part-time work with my artistic pursuits. This approach not only broadens my career horizons and introduces fresh perspectives, but it also offers a break from the intensity of the art world. When inspiration wanes or creativity feels drained, these ‘mental vacations’ allow me to return to my work rejuvenated.
Overall, choosing the path of an artist has been immensely rewarding. It’s a journey that constantly challenges and inspires me, and I have no regrets.

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?

For me, creativity is deeply intertwined with every aspect of my life. Much of my work draws from both my personal experiences and the world around me—I’m always observing, capturing both the ordinary and extraordinary moments that shape our lives. Through these reflections, I develop a unique perspective that shapes the way I interpret emotions and express them in my art. I’ve found that stylizing emotions, whether positive or negative, with a playful or humorous touch helps resolve my own feelings, making the process almost therapeutic. I’m drawn to round shapes and smooth surfaces, elements that bring a calming, simple happiness to both me and my work.
As someone who moved from China to the United States during my teenage years, blending two cultures has profoundly shaped my life and my art. By integrating industrial elements, foods from different regions, and subtle Asian cultural symbols, my work has become a natural fusion of these influences. My heritage is an important aspect of my identity as an artist, and I’m passionate about sharing it with a wider audience, particularly through jewelry that bridges cultural elements. For instance, I incorporate the zodiac, a meaningful symbol in Chinese culture, into my designs. To me, contemporary jewelry should reflect the characteristics and spirit of its era, and I love using the zodiac to explore themes of time and transformation, breaking away from its traditional image and giving it a fresh, playful, and modern look.
My brand, Zoo Zoo Jewelry, was born out of a desire to bring my artistic vision into the commercial world. After graduating, I founded the brand as a way to distill my earlier artistic explorations into more wearable, everyday pieces. One of Zoo Zoo Jewelry’s main inspirations is the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, a symbol with rich historical and cultural significance in China. I reimagined the zodiac with a lighthearted, modern approach, making these symbols accessible to a broader, younger audience.
In 2024, Zoo Zoo Jewelry launched a collection focused on the modernized zodiac and pearls, now available on our website. Each piece is designed to be stylish and culturally meaningful, appealing to those who appreciate a unique fusion of tradition and contemporary fashion. Looking ahead, I plan to release a new collection in 2025 that will blend zodiac symbols with jade, another meaningful element in Chinese culture, to create a fresh take on tradition. I also accept custom jewelry commissions, allowing me to collaborate closely with clients and bring their visions to life.
Building Zoo Zoo Jewelry has been a rewarding journey of artistic and personal growth. As I continue to refine my style and expand my brand, I’m excited to share jewelry that not only offers beautiful craftsmanship but also meaningful connections. My work is an ongoing reflection of who I am and the life experiences that shape me, and I hope my pieces can resonate with people on a deeper level, offering them something uniquely beautiful and culturally rich.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to communicate and connect through my work. Art allows me to share emotions, experiences, and cultural heritage that resonate on a deeper level, bridging personal and collective experiences. I believe art serves two main purposes: to convey and to document. It captures fleeting moments, preserves them, and offers a record that speaks beyond words—a reflection of the present and a preservation of the past.
Knowing that my work can tell stories, inspire reflection, or bring a sense of connection to others is profoundly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to create pieces that touch people’s lives, making them feel seen or understood. Additionally, being an artist means constantly engaging with the world, observing it from unique perspectives, and translating those observations into tangible forms. This process not only pushes me to grow but also deepens my understanding of life.
The fulfillment I find comes from contributing a voice to a larger narrative and knowing that my art holds meaning for others. Whether it sparks a smile, curiosity, or a shared sense of humanity, this ability to communicate and inspire through my art is what I find most rewarding.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, one of the most impactful ways society can support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem is by valuing handmade and artisan products, especially in a time dominated by mass production and industrial growth. By choosing to invest in handmade pieces or engaging with unique, small-batch art, individuals contribute to a culture that celebrates craftsmanship and artistic individuality. This support helps prevent handmade and artistic creations from being overshadowed by industrially produced goods, allowing creativity to flourish.
Supporting emerging artists also involves creating opportunities for connection and learning. Organizing workshops, symposiums, and collaborative events can be incredibly beneficial for building networks and fostering a sense of community. These platforms offer both technical and creative skill development and facilitate mentorship, partnerships, and shared experiences that strengthen the artistic community. When artists are brought together, society can cultivate spaces where new ideas can take root, leading to innovative, collaborative projects.
Public and private initiatives, like grants, residencies, and funding programs, are essential in allowing creatives to dedicate time and resources to their work without the constant strain of financial instability. Additionally, educational programs and awareness campaigns that highlight the value of art and handmade goods can shift public perception, positioning art as a vital part of society’s cultural and economic fabric rather than an optional luxury.
Supporting artists means more than celebrating the finished product; it’s about investing in the entire creative journey—from initial inspiration to final creation. By fostering a culture that values creative expression, encourages public engagement, and builds a network of support and opportunities, society can help ensure that artists and creatives continue to enrich our world with diverse, innovative, and thought-provoking work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.qyzhu-jewelry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qyz_zhu/

Image Credits

Qianying Zhu