We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Xingtong Shen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Xingtong, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
From the very beginning, my journey towards earning a full-time living from my creative work has been a remarkable and transformative experience. It required unwavering determination, resilience, and strategic steps to reach where I am today.
When I first embarked on pursuing my passion for art and paper engineering, it began as a cherished endeavor alongside my studies and other commitments. I took on various commissions, collaborating with creative companies and immersing myself in the world of visual design and paper engineering. However, it wasn’t until I made a conscious decision to wholeheartedly focus on book design and pop-up creations that I began making substantial progress.
A pivotal milestone in my journey was the recognition I received for my first pop-up book, ‘The City of Mountains.’ This significant accomplishment helped solidify my credibility as a paper engineer and opened doors for exciting collaborations and opportunities. I enthusiastically utilized social media platforms to showcase my unique style and artistic prowess, connecting with a diverse and appreciative audience.
To accelerate my progress, I delved into an intensive learning process. Studying existing pop-up books in the market, I avidly followed online tutorials by esteemed paper engineers like Duncan Birmingham. Additionally, ‘The Complexities of Pop-Up’ by David A. Carter and James Diaz served as a trusted resource, nurturing my creativity and refining my techniques. This continuous dedication to honing my skills empowered me to create more intricate and captivating designs.
The incredible support and networking opportunities provided by The Movable Book Society were paramount to my growth as a paper engineer. Being a part of this inspiring community allowed me to forge meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, exchange experiences, and gain invaluable insights from seasoned professionals. This nurturing environment enabled me to expand my professional network and cultivate fruitful collaborations.
As my reputation grew and my portfolio flourished, I began receiving a growing number of inquiries and commissions. This, coupled with the publication of my pop-up book and children’s picture book, propelled me towards earning a fulfilling and sustainable livelihood from my creative work. Presently, I am grateful to work as a freelance artist based in New York, embracing commissioned projects, collaborating with fellow creatives on diverse endeavors, and showcasing my designs at prestigious art markets.
Reflecting on my journey, I firmly believe that expediting the process lies in several key factors. Firstly, embracing a niche within the creative realm, such as pop-up book design, allowed me to shine as a specialist, establishing myself as an expert in a distinctive field. Secondly, actively seeking out opportunities to connect and collaborate with fellow artists, creatives, and industry professionals can lead to profound connections and invaluable exposure. Lastly, my unwavering commitment to continuously refining my skills, staying attuned to industry trends, and consistently producing exceptional work were instrumental in building my reputation and attracting a loyal clientele.
While the path to earning a full-time living from creative work may not have unfolded overnight, the passion and dedication I have poured into my craft, alongside strategic steps and invaluable connections, have enabled me to transform my passion into a thriving career. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and eagerly anticipate further exploration and innovation within the captivating realm of paper engineering.
Xingtong, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Xingtong Shen, also known as Star, a freelance illustrator and paper engineer specializing in visual design and paper engineering for pop-up books, greeting cards, and editorials.
My love for art and crafts was nurtured from a young age. Growing up on a tropical island in the southernmost part of China, I had the privilege of indulging in my passion while my parents pursued demanding careers. As I honed my artistic skills, my fascination with designing clothes for my dolls laid the foundation for my future endeavors.
During my university years, I made the conscious decision to pursue studies in Fashion Technology, embarking on a journey of artistic design. However, life took an unexpected turn in 2019 when I received a precious gift—an enchanting pop-up book, ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ by Robert Sabuda. This magical encounter ignited a spark within me, propelling me towards the captivating world of paper engineering.
Driven by this newfound passion, I immersed myself in studying existing pop-up books, learning from renowned paper engineers, and exploring various resources. My graduate book, ‘Everything you need to know about Mars,’ based on my prior research in fashion technology, beautifully amalgamates my artistic skills with a deep understanding of scientific concepts.
As a freelance artist, my primary focus lies in creating visually stunning and engaging pop-up books, greeting cards, and editorial designs. I take pride in providing unique and captivating paper engineering experiences, where storytelling and art converge to create tangible and awe-inspiring pieces.
One of the problems I aim to solve for my clients is the challenge of capturing and conveying emotions, stories, and concepts through a three-dimensional medium. Through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, I bring narratives to life, immersing readers in a world of wonder and imagination. My designs not only evoke joy and curiosity but also foster a sense of connection and nostalgia.
What sets me apart from others is the seamless integration of my diverse background in fashion design, illustration, and paper engineering. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to create truly unique and captivating works. By combining my knowledge of visual storytelling, expertise in paper engineering techniques, and a keen eye for aesthetics, I strive to create one-of-a-kind pieces that leave a lasting impression.
I take immense pride in the recognition and appreciation I have received for my work. From the early success of my debut pop-up book, ‘The City of Mountains,’ to the forthcoming publication of my pop-up book and children’s picture book, each milestone has fueled my passion and reinforced my commitment to this craft.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is driven by a deep passion for art and a dedication to creating extraordinary experiences through paper engineering. I invite them to embark on a journey of wonder and immerse themselves in the magic of pop-up books. Whether it’s collaborating on custom projects, designing unique greeting cards, or exploring the enchanting world of my published works, I strive to ignite a sense of joy, curiosity, and connection.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story and passion with your readers. I look forward to continuing my creative journey and bringing the joy of paper engineering to the world.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my audience on social media has been an organic and authentic process. Instead of solely focusing on catering to the current market trends, I believe in staying true to myself and creating art that genuinely resonates with me. I firmly believe that authenticity is the key to connecting with an engaged and supportive audience.
When I first started building my social media presence, I took it step by step, without overthinking the market or trying to conform to popular demands. I used platforms like Instagram and Facebook as a means to express my creativity, share my artistic journey, and showcase my unique style of paper engineering.
My advice for those who are just starting to build their social media presence is to embrace your individuality and create from the heart. Don’t be afraid to showcase your true self and share your authentic voice with the world. People are drawn to genuine stories and unique perspectives, so let your personality shine through your posts and captions.
Consistency is also crucial. Regularly sharing your work and engaging with your audience helps foster a sense of connection and encourages ongoing support. Dedicate time and effort to curating a cohesive and visually appealing feed that accurately represents your brand and style.
Engagement is a two-way street, so make sure to interact with your audience. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show genuine interest in the people who engage with your content. Building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community is essential for sustainable growth.
Collaborations and partnerships with fellow artists or complementary brands can also help expand your reach and expose you to new audiences. Seek opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals, whether it’s through joint projects, shoutouts, or guest features. These collaborations can introduce you to new followers and allow you to tap into different communities.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of storytelling. Share the stories behind your creations, your inspirations, and the processes involved in your work. People love to connect with artists on a deeper level and understand the meaning and passion behind their creations.
Remember, building a social media presence takes time and patience. Focus on creating meaningful content, connecting with your audience, and staying true to yourself. Authenticity, consistency, engagement, and storytelling are the pillars that can help you build a loyal and engaged following.
Stay true to yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and let your passion shine through your social media presence. Your genuine voice and artistry will naturally attract an audience who appreciates and supports your work.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
When it comes to NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), I have mixed feelings and a sense of uncertainty about their impact on the art industry and our future as artists. As someone who enjoys reading science fiction and occasionally harbors fears about the rapid progress of technology, the concept of NFTs can sometimes evoke thoughts of a future that feels unpredictable and beyond our control.
On one hand, I acknowledge the benefits that digital and crypto art, enabled by NFTs, bring to artists. They provide new opportunities for artists to showcase their work, reach a global audience, and potentially monetize their creations in unique ways. The ability to authenticate and establish provenance through blockchain technology also addresses issues of copyright and ownership.
However, as an artist, I find myself grappling with questions about the long-term implications of NFTs. It’s important to consider the environmental impact of blockchain technology and the energy consumption associated with minting and trading NFTs. Additionally, the exclusivity and high market prices associated with certain NFTs raise concerns about accessibility and the potential for further exacerbating inequality within the art world.
Moreover, the evolving nature of the art market and the increasing prominence of NFTs sometimes leave me uncertain about the future values and direction of our industry. It feels like the landscape is changing rapidly, and it can be challenging to navigate and adapt to these changes.
Despite my uncertainties, I believe it’s important for artists to stay informed and open-minded about emerging technologies like NFTs. By actively participating in conversations surrounding NFTs and the digital art movement, we can better understand their potential, engage with new audiences, and potentially explore innovative ways of creating and sharing our work.
Ultimately, as artists, we must continually reflect on our own values and consider how NFTs and other technological advancements align with our artistic vision and goals. It’s essential to stay true to our unique creative expressions and find a balance between embracing new opportunities and remaining mindful of the potential challenges and implications they may bring.
While the future may seem uncertain, it is crucial to approach it with curiosity and a willingness to adapt. By actively shaping and participating in the dialogue around NFTs and the evolving art industry, we can strive to create a future where technology and art coexist in a way that aligns with our values and supports our artistic pursuits.
In summary, my view on NFTs is one of cautious curiosity and a sense of responsibility. I recognize their potential benefits but also acknowledge the need for thoughtful reflection and consideration of their broader impact on our industry and society as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: starshen.net
- Instagram: @paperstarfish
Image Credits
XINGTONG SHEN