We recently connected with Zoe Kuo and have shared our conversation below.
Zoe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
To anyone seeking success, I’d say: embrace resilience, cultivate self-discipline, and be adaptable. Remember, every setback is a setup for a comeback. Success is a journey, not a destination.
These qualities have shaped my journey and defined how I tackle challenges. Growing up, my family had modest means and big expectations. I was often labelled the “troublemaker” for challenging norms, which forced me to build resilience early on. I had to learn to trust myself when no one else did, expressing my only and least emotions through creativity, arts and crafts.
A pivotal moment came when I decided to study abroad. Being alone in a new country taught me the importance of self-reliance. I realized that waiting for validation or support would only hold me back. This experience cemented my belief that success isn’t about others’ approval but about personal growth and perseverance.
Zoe, 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?
As an illustrator specializing in game art and entertainment, my journey into this industry started with a deep love for storytelling and visual development, nurtured through years of self-learning and practice. I’ve been immersed in digital art since high school, with nine years of experience in Photoshop. I initially took commissions for commercial photo editing. The transition to creating original digital art was slow but incredibly rewarding, as each step pushed me to improve and refine my craft.
**My Work and Approach**
My creative philosophy is centred around four words: **Push, Learn, Improve, and Enjoy**. I aim to push boundaries, constantly learn, improve with every project, and ultimately enjoy the creative process. My work focuses on character concept art and 2D illustrations, bringing a unique, stylized approach emphasizing storytelling. I believe in crafting pieces that do more than capture attention—they engage and resonate deeply with audiences, creating lasting impressions.
Through my art, I explore originality, experiment with colours, and infuse emotional depth into visual storytelling. Each project is an opportunity to bring characters and worlds to life in a way that’s both visually striking and emotionally compelling.
**What Sets Me Apart**
One of my strongest skills is my keen observation as a faster learner. I have a knack for identifying core issues and helping others find efficient solutions, whether it’s through mentoring peers or tackling complex design challenges. This precision and patience shine through in my work, where I focus intensely on details and storytelling elements through compositions.
My ambition is a driving force behind my continuous improvement. I’m not content with settling; I’m always looking for ways to enhance my skills, experiment with new techniques, and elevate the quality of my work.
**Proud Achievements and Client Solutions**
I’m particularly proud of how my art has evolved to engage audiences emotionally. Whether through a character design that tells a unique story or a portrait that captures a moment of raw emotion or motion, my goal is always to connect with viewers on a deeper level. “I want to see what they see; I want to know what they imagine.”
For my clients, I offer more than just visually appealing art—I provide solutions that enhance their storytelling and brand identity. My focus on originality and depth in background telling helps their projects stand out in the crowded entertainment industry. By blending technical skills with a passion, I deliver work that humbly meets and exceeds expectations.
**What I Want You to Know**
To potential clients, followers, and fans: I want you to see the perspective through the eyes/viewpoints of my character: to feel what they feel, to imagine what they do in their world, to bring you into the fantasy. My brand is built on authenticity, creativity, and a commitment to continuous growth. Every project I take on is approached with the same dedication to quality and innovation. I’m excited to collaborate with those who share a passion for storytelling and visual artistry, and I look forward to creating work that leaves a lasting impact.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely. Reflecting on my creative journey, there are several resources and insights I wish I had discovered sooner:
1. **Starting Digital Illustration Earlier**
If I had begun exploring digital illustration earlier, I believe it would have significantly boosted my efficiency and allowed me to practice with various materials and techniques in concept art. Starting late meant I missed years of potential growth and experimentation in the digital realm.
2. **Understanding Value and Contrast**
I didn’t grasp the importance of value and contrast until after high school. My early art education focused heavily on imitation painting, which left me feeling stifled and uninspired. Eventually, I grew frustrated and avoided traditional art classes during middle school. Learning about value study earlier would have transformed my approach and deepened my understanding of composition and depth.
3. **Guidance and Mentorship**
Having a mentor or someone to guide my artistic path would have been invaluable. Coming from a family of teachers, designers, and architects, I had little understanding of what “illustration” truly meant. While they were talented in traditional art, I lacked someone to provide constructive criticism or direct my learning process. As a result, my progress was slow, and I relied solely on self-teaching.
4. **Access to More Resources**
Initially, I didn’t even know where to start with illustration; I started with crafting. My environment offered limited exposure, and I could only learn from what I encountered. For instance, I knew I needed to learn to draw hands because I struggled with them. But if I hadn’t encountered a particular challenge, I wouldn’t have known it was something I needed to learn. There were so many things that I didn’t know; I didn’t know concept art was a thing, nor did I know it is not wrong to love to paint certain things–this is how I was taught. Greater access to resources would have broadened my understanding and overall skill set much earlier.
5. **Affordable Art Supplies**
When I was young, art supplies were a luxury, and sometimes, my family couldn’t afford them. Although we managed, my mother often complained about the cost, which made me keenly aware of my financial impact. This experience pushed me towards self-reliance and taught me to make the most of what I had.
6. **Supportive Environment**
While my family allowed me to draw, they imposed conflicting expectations. They wanted me to be creative but also academically rigid. They encouraged classic art forms and a mature mindset but discouraged any of my social engagement with others. This left me confused and constrained, struggling to find a balance between my passion for art and their traditional values.
Looking back, these challenges shaped my journey, but having access to these resources earlier could have made the path smoother and more fulfilling.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating something meaningful. Growing up, I didn’t have much support, and the algorithms didn’t favour those who didn’t follow conventional paths or trends. This experience pushed me to focus on improving my mindset over the years.
Now, I find immense satisfaction in the personal achievements that come from my work. It’s about the joy of seeing an idea come to life, the growth from overcoming creative challenges, and the pride in crafting something uniquely my own. While I understand the importance of exposure, I’ve shifted my focus to the pleasure of accomplishment rather than seeking external validation.
I firmly believe in the philosophy that “if you are good enough, fortune will come to you.” This mindset allows me to stay true to my art, prioritizing quality and personal growth over immediate recognition. The fulfillment I get from seeing my skills evolve and my projects succeed is the greatest reward of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zoekuo.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/03zoe.exe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sukeroku-Susushi/pfbid0Zk62nfnooR6Hm9BUw2PGHfZRV25CnV536GnMwAaNXkjw5oN9aTUKy4YFLZtmugUal/?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tzu-yun-kuo-11a0b1197/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ZoeK030204?s=09
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZK-Illustration
Image Credits
Zoe Kuo