We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shirley Zhang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shirley below.

Shirley , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I made a career pivot not long after graduating from my master’s program. For years, becoming a physical production producer was everything I ever wanted. I worked hard, went to school for it, expanded my skill set views, and thought story development would be my backup plan if I ever got too tired with production. Then the world was hit with a devastating pandemic, and physical productions were shut down. No one knew what was going to happen.

The pandemic forced us to look inward and have difficult conversations with ourselves. The freelancing industry doesn’t have a clear career trajectory. Your title might advance, but that doesn’t mean you’re producing stories you care about or want to create. You need to hustle, network, know the right people, and keep trying. There’s no guarantee how long that will take. As the pandemic wore on, I grew tired, and I hit a breaking point. I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Like so many others, the only things that kept me going and brought a smile to my face were watching Bojack Horseman and playing Animal Crossing.

I had a lightbulb moment: why not jump into the two things that kept me smiling throughout it all? Was it too crazy to give up everything I had worked for and switch lanes to a different field? But there’s no better time to learn new skills than during a pandemic. I took it as a sign and decided to take a risk.

But how to break into a new field? I had no idea. I started researching the animation and game industries. I talked to friends who had transitioned from film to animation and games. I learned about Women in Animation and applied to their mentorship program. That program was a fantastic resource. It gave me the stepping stones and confidence to start interviewing with game and animation companies, ultimately leading me to where I am now: Riot Games. When life doesn’t go as planned, we can either sit and sulk or take a risk and see where a new adventure can lead us.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As an artist, the most rewarding experience is bringing a story to life that resonates with others, evokes emotions, and inspires change. The joy also lies in collaborating with others, hearing their stories, and seeing how their unique perspectives shape the project. As a producer, I often see myself as a facilitator—not only helping the director and writer shape the story but also finding the right people to bring their ideas to the big screen.

Creating is a privilege. It’s a form of self-care, a form of therapy, and a deeply rewarding journey of self-discovery. Every project is different. It is an opportunity to learn about yourself, find your voice, and refine your process. With every project, I feel like I’m pouring my thoughts, emotions, and a piece of myself into it.

Art also brings people together. In challenging times, people turn to art to express themselves. It has the power to uplift spirits, bring joy, comfort, and hope—or simply brighten someone’s day. In those moments, you realize your creativity has a ripple effect. It’s more powerful than you imagined and reaches far beyond what you initially envisioned.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

1) The Journey Is Not Linear
Most people in entertainment didn’t follow a traditional path to get there. Their journeys often take winding roads filled with detours, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities. But many of us share a passion for the craft and simply went for it. I began my journey in broadcast news and stumbled onto a set during my junior year of college. I was mesmerized, and that moment changed everything. For the next decade, I moved from news to physical production, even going to school for it. Now, I work in game marketing. I don’t know where my next adventure will lead, but I’m confident it will be something amazing.

2) Movies Are a Collaborative Product
It’s easy to imagine the director as the lone genius behind a movie. But in reality, filmmaking takes a village. While the director and actors may be the faces of the project, countless unsung heroes work behind the scenes to make it happen. The audience often sees the glamour of the red carpet, but that’s just 10% of the industry. The other 90% is hard work, dedication, and teamwork, often without the spotlight.

3) The Vulnerability
Creating something truly original means putting your unique voice out into the world. It’s exhilarating but also terrifying. You’re exposing yourself, inviting others to see, interpret, and judge your work—and by extension, a part of you. That level of vulnerability is challenging and risky. It can take a toll on your mental health, but it’s also what makes art so personal and powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shirleyfanzhang.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/yisilingszlp