Meet Qianying Zhu

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Qianying Zhu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Qianying, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism didn’t always come naturally. In fact, I went through a long period of inner struggle and anxiety. Back then, I constantly questioned myself, feeling like I wasn’t good enough, always chasing an ideal version of myself or a future that seemed out of reach. I was always rushing—changing my style, trying new forms of self-expression, but feeling uneasy all the time, like no matter what I did, I was far from the place I wanted to be. That inner turmoil drained me emotionally and mentally.
But as I continued on my journey in art, especially during the process of creating, I started to change. Creating used to be just a way to express myself, but over time, it became something more—a way for me to slow down and really observe and feel life. When I’m focused on designing jewelry, sketching ideas, or experimenting with materials, I find myself entering a state of “flow.” All those anxious thoughts start to fade away, and I become fully immersed in the moment, no longer worrying about the future or doubting myself.
Through this creative process, I began noticing small, beautiful details in life that I had previously overlooked—like the way light falls on an object, the texture of different materials, or how certain shapes evoke emotions. These little details, things that most people might pass by without a second thought, became sources of inspiration and joy for me. I realized that creating art wasn’t just a form of expression, it was also a way for me to see the world differently, to find beauty in everyday. And in that process, I found that art has the power to transform negative emotions into positive ones, turning my anxiety into calm and my uncertainty into a sense of discovery.
There’s one particular moment that stands out to me. I was in my studio, polishing a piece of metal. At first, the surface was rough, uneven, and unremarkable. But as I patiently worked on it, smoothing and refining the surface, it started to shine with a soft, warm glow. I suddenly realized that this act of polishing the metal was like a metaphor for what I was doing with myself—slowly, through patience and focus, I was refining not just the material, but also my inner world. In that moment, I felt an unexpected sense of peace and satisfaction, like I had found a quiet space in the midst of all the noise.
Looking back now, I see how far I’ve come—from being overwhelmed by inner turmoil to finding a sense of contentment and optimism. The process of creating art has not only helped me heal, but also taught me to appreciate the small joys in life. It’s through these moments of creation that I’m able to generate positive emotions, and I want to share that feeling with others. I believe that when people encounter my work, they can sense the calm, joy, and warmth that have become so important to me.
Through my art, I hope to remind people to pause, to reflect, and to find beauty in the present, just as I have. Life’s small joys often hold more power than we realize, and for me, creating art has been the key to discovering them.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

For me, creativity is deeply intertwined with every aspect of my life, and much of my work draws inspiration from my personal experiences and the world around me. I love observing both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life, and through these reflections, I develop my own unique perspective. This shapes the way I interpret emotions and express them through my art. Instead of sticking to a serious or traditional approach, I like to stylize emotions—whether they’re positive or negative—in playful, sometimes cartoon-like ways or through humor. During this process, I find that many of my own negative feelings and thoughts are naturally resolved. It’s almost therapeutic. I’ve always had a special love for round shapes and smooth surfaces, which bring a sense of calm and simple happiness to both me and my work.
As a Chinese person who moved to the United States during my teenage years, I’ve had the unique experience of blending two distinct cultures, which has deeply influenced both my life and my work. By observing the elements I love from each culture, I’ve been able to better understand how these influences collide and merge within me, creating the artist I am today. In my work, you’ll often find products of industrial society, foods from different regions, and subtle Asian cultural symbols. The fusion of materials and ideas from both cultures sometimes happens without much planning, almost naturally. It’s something I’ve come to embrace. As an Asian artist, I’m passionate about introducing elements of my cultural heritage into my work, particularly those that carry special meaning for me, like the zodiac. I want to share these elements with a wider audience, bridging cultures through art and jewelry.
I also believe that contemporary jewelry should reflect the characteristics and styles of its era. That’s why I love using the zodiac in my designs, not just as a cultural symbol but as a way to explore themes of time and transformation. I aim to break the traditional boundaries of the zodiac, giving it new life and presenting it in ways that feel modern and alive. For example, I’ve used the zodiac as a playful representation of “time,” incorporating humor and lightheartedness to express deeper thoughts about our daily lives. Currently, I’m continuing to research the history and symbolism behind the zodiac animals, exploring their stories in greater depth, and working to innovate new ways to incorporate these elements into my future works. My goal is to keep pushing the boundaries, combining zodiac themes with other elements and jewelry forms, all while staying true to my creative style.
Jewelry design has always been a passion of mine, especially in the realm of fashion jewelry. After graduating, I founded my own brand, ‘Zoo Zoo Jewelry,’ where I reimagined and simplified elements from my earlier works into more wearable, everyday pieces. One of the central inspirations for the brand is the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, which have a rich and fascinating history. The zodiac has long been used as both a timekeeping tool and a cultural symbol, and it carries deep meaning within Chinese culture. I wanted to break away from the traditional image of the zodiac in jewelry and introduce a more playful and modern approach, making these culturally significant symbols accessible to a broader audience.
While I work on more artistic pieces, I’m also constantly thinking about how to bring my artistic vision into the commercial world. The zodiac is a perfect element for jewelry, given its symbolism and history, especially in China, where it has been used in architecture, fashion, and gold jewelry for centuries, much like the Western zodiac. I’m committed to bringing this concept into the realm of fashion jewelry and redesigning the zodiac in a fresh, youthful way. In 2024, Zoo Zoo Jewelry launched a new collection focused on the modernized zodiac and pearls, which is now available on our website. The collection is designed to be both culturally meaningful and stylish, appealing to a younger audience. Looking ahead, I plan to introduce a new collection in 2025 that will combine zodiac symbols with jade, creating a unique fusion of tradition and contemporary fashion
Through all of this, I feel like I’m in a constant state of exploration and growth, both artistically and professionally. The journey of developing my brand has been incredibly rewarding, and as I continue to refine my artistic style, I’m more certain than ever about my future direction. My work is an ongoing reflection of who I am and the life experiences that shape me, and I hope to continue sharing these stories through my jewelry, offering people not only beautiful pieces but also a sense of connection and meaning.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, there are three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that I believe had the most impact on my growth, both as an artist and a professional. These are: mastering professional skills, developing the habit of recording inspiration, and building strong communication and networking abilities.
The first and most crucial quality for me has been my professional skills. As a jewelry designer and artist, I handcraft almost all of my work. Understanding and being able to skillfully apply various techniques is fundamental to my creative process. It’s the foundation upon which innovation and deeper concept development are built. I’m incredibly grateful to my undergraduate education for giving me a solid foundation in both design and craftsmanship. During my time at Savannah College of Art and Design, I learned a wide range of technical skills, from metalwork to design theory, that I still rely on today. This strong technical base has made my work more fluid, and it allows me to execute my ideas with greater ease. Even now, I continue to expand my skill set, constantly learning and practicing new techniques such as gemstone cutting, setting, and identification. My advice for anyone starting in this field is to focus on mastering the basics. Building strong technical skills is essential for turning your creative visions into reality, and the more you learn, the more freedom you’ll have in your artistic process.
The second important quality is the habit of recording inspiration. Whether it’s through photography, writing, or sketching, capturing sudden bursts of inspiration is key. Creative ideas often come unexpectedly, and if we don’t document them quickly, they can easily slip away. I find that documenting my thoughts and ideas helps keep my creative energy flowing. It’s not just about recording them; the real value comes from revisiting and organizing these notes later on. Personally, I often have periods where inspiration comes in waves—some ideas are great, while others may seem less useful or difficult to develop further. I recommend writing everything down, no matter how small or vague the idea might seem. Then, after some time has passed, go back and review these notes. This process of revisiting often sparks fresh ideas and allows you to see connections that weren’t apparent before. The act of recording and reflecting has brought me many unexpected surprises and has helped me refine my creative direction.
Lastly, strong communication and networking skills have also been critical to my development. As someone who works in a creative field, it’s important not only to create but also to share your vision with others. Building connections with fellow artists, mentors, and even clients has helped me expand my perspective, gain new insights, and grow professionally. Engaging with a creative community can open up collaborative opportunities and provide support during challenging times. My advice here is to be open to talking with others about your work, whether it’s through formal presentations, casual conversations, or social media. Listening to feedback and learning from others’ experiences can also help you grow in ways you may not expect.
In summary, I believe that mastering technical skills, developing a habit of recording inspiration, and cultivating strong communication abilities have been the most impactful areas in my journey. For anyone early in their career, I encourage you to be patient and diligent in these areas. Practice your craft, capture your ideas, and stay open to the people and opportunities around you. With these skills in place, you’ll be well on your way to building a meaningful and fulfilling creative career.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

The creative journey can often feel lonely at times, but I’ve been fortunate to meet many like-minded individuals who share my passion. We frequently discuss new techniques, provide each other with feedback, and support one another throughout the creative process. However, like any creator, I can’t deny that audience recognition is important to me. There are always moments when I wonder whether my work will be understood and appreciated by a larger audience. Periods of creative block or self-doubt are inevitable for all artists.
That’s why I’m always open to connecting with more people who share similar interests, backgrounds, or are facing the same challenges. Even if there isn’t an immediate opportunity for collaboration, I find great value in simply exchanging ideas, offering support, and building connections with others in the creative field. I believe in the power of community and shared passion.
I’m particularly interested in collaborating with creators who have a genuine passion for fashion jewelry, whether they are fellow designers, artists, or brand owners. I believe that by working together, we can spark new ideas and reach a broader audience with fresh and exciting designs. Additionally, I’m eager to connect with people who have experience in marketing and are open to sharing insights or working together to help bring my work to a larger audience. I understand the importance of marketing in today’s world and would welcome any advice or support in this area.
If you’re someone who shares a love for Art, fashion jewelry, creativity, or marketing, I’d love to connect with you. Whether it’s for potential collaboration or simply to exchange ideas, feel free to reach out to me through my website or social media channels. Let’s see what we can create together!

Please Contact me via: Instagram: qyz_zhu

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.qyzhu-jewelry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qyz_zhu/

Image Credits

Qianying Zhu