Meet Qian Zhong

We were lucky to catch up with Qian Zhong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Qian, 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?

My creativity thrives when I maintain focus and create a balance between discipline and inspiration. I make time for daily painting sessions, which helps me stay in tune with my artistic process. At the same time, I expose myself to new environments, ideas, and experiences to keep my mind fresh. Whether it’s exploring different art styles, visiting galleries, or drawing inspiration from nature, I make sure to fuel my creativity with diverse sources, but the key is staying focused and dedicated to the craft.

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

My name is Zhong Qian, born in Chengdu, China in 1995. I am currently pursuing a painting master degree at the Royal College of Art in England. My passion for painting began in primary school, and it has always been my dream to become an accomplished artist. Despite not having formal training in my early years, I followed my intuition and drive to teach myself, using art as a means to create and express.

With a deeply sensitive nature, I’ve always been able to empathize with the world around me. This emotional connection is reflected in my work, which primarily explores themes of female identity, desire, memory, and how these elements intersect with contemporary society. For me, art is a form of healing, and that is the ultimate goal of my practice. My “Paradise” and “Balloon” series employ surrealism and symbolic imagery to form hidden narratives that capture moments when we seek solace in the subconscious and dreams. The use of nostalgic pink tones in my work highlights the void in modern life and the elusive nature of dreams, while also representing a personal journey to find a true sense of belonging.

In 2018, after graduation, I founded Chengdu Dingyi Culture Communication Co., LTD, a company focused on public art and commercial graffiti murals. This experience has broadened my creative perspective, allowing me to move between large-scale public works and the more intimate nature of easel painting. Switching between these two mediums provides me with a unique artistic vision. To date, we have completed over 5,000 square meters of mural space, a number that continues to grow.

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?

In my artistic journey, I believe that two key factors have been essential for me: maintaining my passion and staying focused. These are the foundations of success. As we grow, we are surrounded by countless distractions and temptations, constantly trying to pull us away from our inner path. That’s why it’s incredibly difficult to stay committed to what we truly love—it often requires sacrificing many things. I am grateful that I’ve stayed true to the path I wanted to follow, and today, as I embark on a new chapter at the Royal College of Art, I feel even closer to my dreams. This journey excites and motivates me. I owe much of it to my enduring passion and focus on painting.

Another important realization I’ve had is to focus more on others. This involves adopting an altruistic mindset, seeing things from different perspectives rather than being stuck in my own. I often ask myself, “What can I do for society? What can I offer to my clients?” rather than focusing on fame or financial success—those are secondary, merely by-products. The core of my work has always been about what I can give to others.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

I am very grateful to my parents for giving me a lot of freedom to do what I want to do, and for supporting and encouraging me all the time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: zhongqixx

Image Credits

Zhong Qian