Meet Mingyin Qi

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

Mingyin, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

As a mixed-media artist, I keep my creativity alive through an interdisciplinary approach, merging fleeting ideas with diverse mediums and knowledge from various fields. Inspiration often strikes in unexpected moments—like when I notice the unique textures on walls, doors, or streets while walking or waiting for an elevator. I instinctively give these patterns meaning, imagining narratives that transform them into something new. From there, I consider which artistic techniques or mediums I’ve explored—printmaking, textile arts, digital illustrations, etc—to bring these ideas to life.

For example, I once noticed a small stain on a wall that resembled a crocodile figure. That single moment sparked a journey of creative expansion. First, I imagined the crocodile as a fluffy creature and illustrated it digitally, experimenting with softness and texture. This led me to explore colored-pencil techniques, developing it into a children’s book illustration and pop-up book concept. From there, I introduced the figure into printmaking, silkscreening it onto fabric and tote bags. Later, when I began learning tufting, I revisited the design again—this time reconstructing it with hand-mixed yarns, turning the imagined crocodile into a tangible textile creation.

This constant process of reinterpreting and evolving an idea across different mediums keeps my creativity alive. By allowing each glimpse of inspiration to grow into something larger, I build layers of exploration that connect my artistic journey across disciplines. Each medium feeds into the next, creating endless possibilities for storytelling and expression.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a mixed-media artist, my artistic path and style are constantly evolving. However, one of my strongest passions has always been printmaking—especially relief printmaking, which I fell in love with ever since i was a child. There’s something deeply meditative about carving into wood, feeling the blade slicing through the wooden surfaces, and watching the shavings collect into a pile. I find immense joy in the tactile nature of the process, from the satisfying textures created by inked impressions to the touch of a freshly carved block. Working with wood gives me a sense of grounding and fulfillment that keeps me coming back to it.

Recently, I discovered tufting, a medium I had never considered exploring before but instantly fell in love with. The fluffy textures, the feel of different fabrics, and the endless possibilities of mixing wool and yarn captivated me. I began incorporating various fibers with unique textures into my tufting, merging mediums to create unexpected designs and patterns. The contrast between the rough, structured nature of relief carving and the softness of tufted textiles excites me—each medium offers a completely different sensory experience, yet both bring me immense joy.

Now, having built a small studio in my apartment for both printmaking and tufting, I can freely move between the two, immersing myself in the different textures and tactile experiences each provides. My work is constantly shifting and expanding, and these hands-on, deeply personal processes fuel my artistic journey. Whether carving into wood or working with yarn, the physical act of creating brings me immense joy, a meditative focus, and deeply immersive sensory experiences. This recent year, I have created plentiful relief printmaking, lithography, and silkscreen prints, along with various tufting artworks, which I will be selling at different art fairs and festivals!

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?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my artistic journey are adaptability, interdisciplinary thinking, and tactile sensitivity.

As a mixed-media artist, my style and focus constantly evolve. Being open to exploring different mediums has allowed me to grow creatively and push boundaries. I stay curious about the world around me, embracing experimentation—stepping outside my comfort zone and discovering new passions in the unknown.

I often merge ideas from different fields, drawing inspiration from textures, narratives, and techniques beyond traditional art. Learning from various disciplines such as literature, game, science, music, or even the patterns in everyday surroundings has deeply influenced my work, allowing me to translate abstract ideas into tangible creations.

My love for both relief printmaking and tufting comes from the physicality of making art. The meditative joy of carving wood or working with yarn strengthens my connection to my work. Engaging with materials on a deeper, more sensory level makes the creative journey immersive and fulfilling.

For artists early in their journey, my advice is to stay open, observe everything, and explore across mediums. Trust that each skill you develop will find its place in your artistic path!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always open to collaborations and looking to partner with artists who have unique styles and artistic expressions. I’m drawn to individuals who are passionate about their artworks, whether they specialize in a specific medium, are skilled in a particular field of art, or are artists like me who work across multiple mediums. If you’re someone who brings high energy to your creative process and is excited about bringing new ideas to life, I’d love to connect! You can reach out to me via Instagram @qimingyin9, phone number 9173746567 or email [email protected]. Let’s explore the possibilities together, learn from one another, and create something incredible!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @qimingyin9

Image Credits

The Gerridae is a collaborated project with artist Hejiajia Qin, Instagram @gotta_blue.