We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keer Zhao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keer below.
Keer, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Often, I’ve been the only person in a room. But for me, it’s not a feeling of being isolated. Instead, it’s an opportunity to stand out, offering a unique perspective.
I find that just observing without a specific agenda sparks my creativity. Watching events unfold lets me understand unspoken cues, grasping actions and intentions in a distinctive way. For me, art becomes a tool to transform the unspoken into something tangible, visible, and relatable.
What really hits me is not just being the only one, but recognizing the diversity within the room. Maybe that’s why we’re all here – to celebrate our differences.
As an observer, a complete bystander, I get a moment to be myself and be present. I accept whatever is happening around me while staying true to who I am. In these moments, my creative instincts kick in – an excitement, an urge to create and express.
So, I cherish the feeling of being the only one in the room. It’s not about isolation; it’s about maintaining my individuality while respecting the differences in others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Absolutely! I’m a freelance digital designer, offering a versatile array of creative services. My focus lies in crafting visuals for a wide spectrum of mediums, including AR, VR, immersive installations, virtual productions, and 3D animations. A substantial part of my collaboration involves teaming up with musicians to create captivating audio-visual performances and supporting theater directors by introducing innovative projection designs to enhance the theatrical experience.
In many of my projects, I collaborate with clients to sculpt visual languages for their diverse products. These can range from a musical piece and performance to shaping a digital identity for an artist or even contributing to makeup designs from a makeup artist. In these instances, visual languages extend beyond traditional elements like color, font, and layout to embrace real-time and interactive visuals or even delve into the realm of sci-fi avatars. My clientele hails from various industries, encompassing fashion, beauty, and music.
Beyond my client collaborations, I’m also immersed in the development of a personal series of avatars exploring the captivating concept of “digital skins.” Building on my own 3D scan, each avatar in this series possesses subtle distinctions, exists in different dimensions, and acts out unique narratives. Each avatar serves as a layer of my digital skin, resembling me but not entirely so. This series extends beyond traditional 3D art to include interactive installations. One of my ongoing projects, <Balloon>, features the avatar’s skin as a piece of fabric inflating and deflating within a contained box, akin to an exotic dance in its own unique way.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Coming from a background in film production and photography, my journey was significantly influenced by these experiences before fully immersing myself in the realm of 3D. They not only shaped my perspective but also showcased the immense potential of art as a medium for expression.
Pursuing my master’s degree in interactive art introduced another layer as I explored cutting-edge technologies like AR/VR and virtual production. This venture uncovered a myriad of possibilities for merging art and technology, creating immersive experiences that not only captivate but also serve practical purposes, benefiting a diverse audience.
Expanding my skill set further, understanding AI and its integration into visual design became crucial. AI acts as a reliable assistant, markedly speeding up the preparatory stages in the creative process when effectively harnessed through communication and comprehension.
As for advice, I believe it’s crucial to trust one’s instincts. Amidst various standards and choices, listening to your heart and persevering are paramount. Embracing technology and maintaining a mindset of continuous learning are key components of personal growth. If you find yourself at a crossroads, taking a well-deserved break is essential. Your creative spark will return, and all you need to do is be ready when it does.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, I am actively on the lookout for freelancing opportunities, commissions, and collaborations, extending an open invitation to clients and talents across a diverse range of industries. My expertise lies in crafting captivating AR/VR experiences, immersive and interactive installations, designing virtual identities, and curating audio-visual performances.
I am genuinely excited about exploring a plethora of creative possibilities and am open to discussions at any time. Whether it’s a formal collaboration or a casual chat to exchange ideas, I’m eager to connect with individuals who share a passion for pushing the boundaries of art and technology.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.keerzhao.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.oneear/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keer-zhao/
