We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shan Zhou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Certainly, here’s a revised version with a more structured and professional tone:

Growing up in a non-artistic family, I was steered towards traditional paths of success by my parents, such as becoming a doctor or lawyer. However, during the summer before my junior year of high school, I had a transformative experience that altered the course of my life.

While on a field trip, I stumbled upon a local gallery featuring the works of a talented visual designer and fine artist. The impact was profound; I was captivated by the artwork, feeling as though my heartbeat quickened and my gaze was fixed upon the pieces before me. In that moment, I realized that I had discovered my true calling within the art industry.

Despite not being exposed to art at a young age, I was undeterred in my decision to pursue a career in the arts. Though some may view starting later in life as a disadvantage, I was resolute in my passion and commitment to becoming a professional artist.

Choosing to pursue my artistic ambitions in the face of societal expectations required courage and determination. However, I believe that true fulfillment lies in following one’s passion, regardless of external pressures.

While my journey into the world of art may have begun later than some, I am dedicated to honing my craft and continuing to grow as an artist. I understand that each artist’s path is unique, and I am committed to embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In conclusion, my experience at the local gallery served as a catalyst for my decision to pursue a career in the arts. I am eager to embark on this journey, fueled by passion, creativity, and a steadfast determination to succeed.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Since a field trip during my ninth grade, I decided to pursue the path of art. However, lacking an artistic background and understanding of contemporary design at the time, my concept of art was very vague, almost solely limited to the knowledge of art history. Nonetheless, I opted for art courses in high school, delving into painting until I decided to apply to art schools for college entrance exams.

After being admitted to an art academy, I once again found myself in a state of confusion. I realized that art was not just limited to what I imagined—drawing and design on paper—but also encompassed various contemporary art forms. However, I had limited exposure to these at the time. So, I started visiting museums and galleries frequently, actively gathering art information.

Until today, I have experimented with various forms such as film, graphic design, illustration, and interactive design. Through numerous trials and efforts, my understanding of art has evolved from two-dimensional to three-dimensional, gaining more inspiration through multi-layered integration.

Currently, I am focusing on visual arts and user experience design. Meanwhile, my background in film helps me better absorb various cultures, whether Eastern or Western. I hope that through my work, I can provide audiences with unique and profound visual experiences and offer users enjoyable and meaningful designs.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to express myself authentically and connect with others on a deeper level through my work. Creating something that resonates with people emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s evoking a sense of wonder, sparking a conversation, or offering solace and inspiration, knowing that my art has made a positive impact on someone else’s life is immensely rewarding. Additionally, the constant exploration, experimentation, and growth inherent in the creative process bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that fuels my passion for artistry.

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

When I first entered university, I chose to major in film. As a naive high school graduate, I was simply drawn to the allure of the cinematic world and dedicated four years to studying this discipline. However, despite my efforts, I didn’t find true happiness in this pursuit. I realized that my greatest strength lay in my skills in painting and design, which I wasn’t able to fully utilize in the realm of filmmaking. Additionally, the collaborative and uncontrollable nature of film as a large-scale art form made it difficult for me to meet the creative output demands I had set for myself as an artist.

With determination, I made the bold decision to transition to studying illustration in the United States, embarking on my second four-year undergraduate journey. Looking back, I don’t consider my time studying film to be wasted. It deepened my understanding and perspective of art. However, the willingness to let go and pursue what truly aligned with my passions was a vital lesson in my life.

This journey taught me resilience in the face of uncertainty and the importance of staying true to myself as an artist. Despite the challenges and setbacks, I persevered and found my way to a path where I could fully express my creativity and find fulfillment in my work. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and the willingness to adapt and pursue what truly brings joy and meaning to one’s life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shanzhoustudio.com
• Instagram: shanzhou1031
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanzhoustudio/