Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Faith Cao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Faith, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Art block is something every artist experiences, and while it can feel discouraging – it’s an inevitable part of the creative process. I remind myself that creative lulls happen to us all, whether from burnout or a temporary dip in inspiration. Rather than fighting it, I lean into the block and ask myself, “Why am I feeling this way?”
I’ve learned that it’s often a sign I need rest and to reconnect with life’s simple joys. To reset, I indulge in activities that bring me comfort—like watching nostalgic TV shows from the early 2000s, going on walks, or engaging in low-pressure crafts like knitting or sewing. These moments of rest often spark new ideas, which I jot down and save for when I’m ready to dive back into my work. It’s a reminder that rest is not wasted—it’s part of the creative cycle.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As an artist, my work is driven by creativity and personal expression, creating pieces that reflect what I wish existed in the world. I specialize in murals, illustration, and design, infusing my heritage, perspective, and passion into every piece. What excites me most is connecting with others through my art, creating work that resonates with people and reflects my journey.
What sets my brand apart is my focus on my heritage. As a Teochew, Vietnamese, and Cantonese American, I’m one of the few artists creating Teochew-inspired artwork. I aim to bring attention to this often-overlooked culture, inspiring others to reconnect with their roots—some have even begun relearning the language.
Exciting updates include my recent solo gallery show in Oakland, inspired by childhood entertainment nostalgia, which is on display at Baba’s House until March 2025. On the business side, I’ve launched a new collection of greeting cards inspired by the farmer’s market and produce sold in Chinatown. It’s been thrilling to see them sold in retailers across New York and Seattle, and I look forward to more stores carrying my products!
My mission is to inspire others to embrace their creativity and incorporate their heritage into their art. My brand is about more than art; it’s about building a community where everyone feels empowered to pursue their passions.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been most impactful: self-belief, investing in passion projects, and embracing the idea that “done is better than perfect.” These lessons shaped my path, and I’d advise anyone starting out to focus on developing them.
When I began my art career, almost everyone doubted me. Coming from a STEM background, transitioning to art seemed crazy. But I believed in myself, blocked out the doubt, and pushed forward. It’s essential to trust your abilities, stay focused, and ignore the noise.
Another lesson I’ve learned is balancing art with business. While it’s tempting to focus on money, I always remind myself that passion projects come first. When you create from the heart, the financial rewards follow.
Finally, “done is better than perfect” has been crucial. It’s easy to get frustrated with a project, but pushing through to completion helps you grow. Often, what I thought was a failure turns out to be better than I imagined. Finish your work, learn from it, and keep improving.
For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: Believe in yourself, prioritize your passion, and remember that progress comes through persistence—not perfection. Keep creating, and you’ll grow with each step.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client values creativity, culture, and authenticity, and is passionate about art that reflects personal stories and diverse perspectives. I work best with brands or individuals who appreciate the depth behind each piece and are open to collaboration, especially when it comes to integrating heritage into their projects.
While I’ve stepped back from design work to focus on expanding my product line, mural work will always be top priority. There’s nothing like the experience of painting a mural, and my goal is to create one in every major city around the world.
If you’re a small business or brand in need of mural work—locally or internationally—I’d love to collaborate! Feel free to reach out to me through my website or via social media—Instagram is usually the best way to connect. I’d love to explore how we can create something meaningful together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://faithcao.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithcaoculator/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaithCaoculator/
Image Credits
Faith Cao
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