We recently connected with Feixue Mei and have shared our conversation below.
Feixue, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping my creativity alive is an ongoing journey for me, and I’ve found that seeking diverse experiences is essential. Whether it’s traveling to new places, immersing myself in different cultures, or exploring various genres of literature and art, these experiences spark fresh ideas and perspectives that fuel my creativity.
I dedicate time to regular creative practice, whether it’s sketching, writing, or experimenting with new techniques. This routine helps keep my skills sharp and encourages me to step outside my comfort zone. Collaboration is also vital; working with other creatives exposes me to new perspectives and inspires innovative ideas I might not have considered on my own.
Journaling my thoughts allows me to reflect on my experiences and generate new concepts. It’s a space where I can explore my ideas freely. I also make sure to take breaks and practice mindfulness. Stepping away from my work helps recharge my mind and often leads to unexpected insights when I return.
Setting clear creative goals gives me direction and motivation, breaking larger projects into manageable tasks that feel achievable. Engaging with my creative community through workshops and art groups also provides support and inspiration, reminding me that I’m not alone on this journey. By incorporating these strategies into my routine, I cultivate an environment that nurtures and sustains my creativity, helping me grow as an artist and thinker.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at James Madison University, my creative work and research focus on cultural production as a means of questioning and challenging social norms. I employ diverse methods, including writing, print and digital publications, videos, and interactive platforms. I am particularly intrigued by how social media and online spaces influence individuals’ cultural identities and their potential to facilitate community building while amplifying the voices of marginalized groups.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to create conceptual, iconic imagery infused with rich narrative details. My style is shaped by influences such as internet culture, animation, comics, Surrealism, and Chinese folk art, which together help me explore themes of the Asian diaspora, fluid identity, otherness, mistranslation, and the ongoing struggle to find one’s own community. I embrace Maximalism, believing in the philosophy of “more is more,” as I navigate the complexities of multiple online and offline identities that interact, struggle, and coalesce to ultimately define who we are.
Through my work, I aim to create a platform that encourages open dialogue and exploration of diverse voices in art and design. I look forward to connecting with others who share these passions and inspiring new conversations about the role of creativity in understanding our world.
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 impactful qualities have been adaptability, curiosity, and a strong sense of community.
Adaptability has been crucial in navigating the ever-changing landscape of art and design. Embracing flexibility and being open to experimenting with new methods can lead to unexpected opportunities. My advice is to welcome change and try new things, as it fosters growth.
Curiosity drives my exploration of diverse cultures and ideas, enriching my work. I encourage newcomers to cultivate a curious mindset: engage with different fields, attend workshops, and ask questions. The more you explore, the more inspiration you’ll find.
Finally, a strong sense of community has provided invaluable support and collaboration opportunities. I recommend seeking out local art groups or online forums to connect with others who share your interests. Surrounding yourself with inspiring peers can lead to meaningful growth and innovation in your creative journey.
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?
Yes, I’m always open to partnerships and collaborations! I’m particularly interested in connecting with fellow artists, educators, and researchers who share a passion for exploring cultural identities, gender representation, and the intersection of traditional and contemporary art forms.
If you’re working in fields such as graphic design, illustration, feminist media studies, or Asian diaspora studies, I’d love to hear from you. I’m also keen to collaborate with those involved in community projects, workshops, or events that promote cultural exchange and support marginalized voices.
If you’re interested in collaborating or discussing ideas, please feel free to reach out to me through my website or social media platforms. I look forward to the possibility of working together to create meaningful and impactful projects!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://feixuemei.info/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feixuefeixue/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feixue-mei-085014175/
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