We were lucky to catch up with Sherry Zhu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sherry, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Being an artist is a fulfilling career. Many people view artists as freelancers who create freely without limitations. While artistic freedom is important, being an artist can also be a fulfilling career path within various industries. These creative jobs offer regular pay, insurance, and other benefits, just like any other profession.
The definition of “artist” can be subjective. What truly defines an artist is the ability to express stories and ideas through their work, regardless of the job title.
I once thought that working for a company meant sacrificing artistic expression. However, I’ve come to understand that even freelancers need to consider market demands to make a living. It’s a basic truth – before we can fully express ourselves, we need to meet our needs. Financial stability provides a foundation for artistic creation. When artists aren’t consumed by daily struggles, they have more space and energy to create freely.
There’s no shame in pursuing a career path in art that offers financial security. It’s simply another way to be an artist. We don’t need to romanticize the artist’s life and contrast it with a “regular” job. Both paths can be fulfilling and lead to successful artistic expression.
Sherry, 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?
For most of my childhood, I followed a familiar path. Raised in an ordinary Chinese family, I attended good schools, excelled in academics, and chose Computer Science as my major – all in line with expectations. Though I enjoyed drawing as a child, the concept of being an “artist” never seemed attainable.
University life revealed a growing disconnect with my chosen field. My happiest moments were spent in my dorm, lost in creating fantastical scenes that spilled from my imagination. Drawing became my language, a way to express myself and connect with the world. These emotions, like a bubblegum bubble, steadily inflated until they burst. I finally confided in my parents, expressing my desire to pursue art. Their immediate support was a turning point:
“We’re so glad you want to make your own decision for your future,” they said. “Just do what you want. You will have a different point of view to look at this world and your life.”
This marked the beginning of my artistic journey. Immersed in a lifelong love for games and animation, I embarked on a solo adventure to the US to study animation. There, I discovered the pure joy of drawing in a professional way. After marriage, I settled in Seattle, a city that fostered connections with artists from all walks of life, particularly independent game developers.
It was then, specializing in environment art, that I finally felt I’d come full circle. Bringing the countless landscapes within my mind to life through art is my greatest satisfaction. Every project, whether intricate game concepts or daily sketches, is infused with this same creative joy.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My earliest artistic memory is watching my father effortlessly create a captivating portrait. The smooth lines and subtle details left me awestruck, planting a seed of artistic desire within me. As I grew older, I learned about his color-blindness, a condition that sadly steered him away from his artistic passion. That is made me appreciate the vibrant world I see even more. It became a mission to depict this beauty for him, through my art.
My husband is another pillar of my artistic pursuit. Though his background lies in game design, his career path led him elsewhere. During a period of self-doubt, when I considered abandoning my artistic dreams, he offered unwavering support. “One of us already has a job we don’t love,” he said, “At least pursue your passion. Keep chasing your dreams, and I’ll be by your side every step of the way.” These words became a beacon that guided me through my darkest moments. Despite the challenges that lie ahead on my artistic path, his encouragement keeps me optimistic and audacious.
The impermanence of life adds another layer to my artistic drive. My beloved dog and cat, with their short lifespans, constantly remind me of the preciousness of time. My dream is to create a game for them – a beautiful world where they can explore freely. This project embodies the essence of my art – a celebration of life, love, and the desire to create lasting memories.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
The question I hear most often these days is about AI-generated art (AICG). People wonder if artists like me fear being replaced by AI. Honestly, it’s a complex topic. I think sometimes those outside the creative realm might not fully understand the essence of “art.”
For me, art isn’t just a finished product – it’s the entire journey of expression. It begins with a spark of inspiration, a fleeting thought or feeling that ignites a fire within. This spark fuels the creative process, guiding me through experimentation, exploration, and ultimately, the creation of a piece of art.
Every brushstroke, every line I draw, embodies not just the final image but also the emotions, experiences, and ideas that went into its creation. The artwork is a tangible representation of the entire creative journey – from the initial spark to the final flourish. This journey is what makes art truly special. It’s a continual process of self-discovery, exploration, and expression that repeats itself with every new piece I create.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sherrychu413.wixsite.com/sherry-zhu-art
- Instagram: @sherryzhu_draws
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherry413/
