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

Yun, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

As an artist, I’ve learned that taking risks is an important part of the creative process. At one point in my career, I found myself at a crossroads, questioning whether I should be
fixed on the notion of finding a specific style or whether I should be more experimental
and take risks along the way.

I knew that taking risks would be challenging and uncertain, but I also knew that it was
the only way I could truly push myself and grow as an artist. So, I took the risk and
decided to be more experimental in my approach. In my piece titled “Race,” I played
around with simplified shapes and textures, which eventually became a hallmark of my
artistic style.

Through taking risks and experimenting with my art, I’ve been able to develop a unique
artistic language that sets me apart from other artists. And while it can be daunting to
step outside of your comfort zone, I believe that it’s only by taking risks that we can truly
reach our full potential.

Yun, 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’m an artist with roots in China and a deep love for creating. My upbringing and experiences have played a role in shaping my artistic style and vocabulary.
Art has been my passion since childhood and I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue
a career in the creative industry. I studied illustration and interface design in art school,
which has allowed me to explore and express my passions with greater focus and
dedication.

I offer a range of creative services, including illustration and interface design, to help
clients solve their unique problems and achieve their goals. I believe that what sets me
apart is my ability to blend traditional cultural influences with contemporary techniques,
creating works that are both unique and accessible.

I take pride in my ability to capture the essence of my clients’ vision and bring it to life
through my art. I’m dedicated to producing high-quality work that truly reflects my
clients’ needs and desires.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my perspective and connect with others through
my art. Whether you’re a potential client or follower, I hope that my work inspires you
and brings joy to your life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I remember a time early in my career when I was struggling to find my footing. I had just started my own art business, and things were not going as smoothly as I had hoped. I
was faced with countless rejections, missed opportunities, and setbacks that made me
question whether I had what it takes to succeed.

But instead of giving up, I persevered. I drew inspiration from the many artists who had
come before me, knowing that they too had faced their own obstacles and challenges. I
turned to my mentors for guidance and advice, and slowly but surely began to build a
network of supporters who believed in me and my work.

Over time, I began to gain momentum. My art started to gain recognition, and people
began to take notice of my unique perspective and style. I continued to push myself,
taking on new challenges and exploring new creative avenues.

Looking back, I realize that my journey has been one of resilience and perseverance.
I’ve learned that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the creative process, and
that the key to success is to never give up. My past experiences have taught me that
with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, anything is possible.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

As a creative, I think one thing that non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is the constant push and pull between inspiration and discipline. Many people
assume that creativity is simply a matter of waiting for inspiration to strike, but the reality
is that creativity often requires a great deal of discipline and hard work.

For example, there are days when I don’t feel particularly inspired or motivated to
create. But I’ve learned that in those moments, it’s important to push through and keep
working, even if the results are not immediately apparent. Sometimes, the act of putting
pen to paper or brush to canvas is enough to spark inspiration and unlock new ideas.
Similarly, there are times when I feel incredibly inspired and have a flood of ideas, but
struggle to find the time or energy to bring them to fruition. In those moments, discipline
and focus are key. I’ve learned to set aside time each day to work on my art, even if it’s
just for a few minutes, and to stay committed to my creative goals even when it’s
challenging.

I think non-creatives can benefit from understanding the importance of both inspiration
and discipline in the creative process. Creativity is not just about waiting for the muse to
strike, but about actively cultivating an environment that fosters creativity and being
willing to put in the hard work necessary to bring your ideas to life.  

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yunyaoim.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yartichok/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yunyaoim/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/yunyao0831

Image Credits
Yun Yao