We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Xiaotong Lang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Xiaotong below.
Xiaotong, 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?
While working and doing illustrations, I always came across many captivating references that are not just limited to illustrations and paintings. I found myself constantly looking at movie footage, hand-crafted dolls, and even scholarly essays that explained the historical background of the patterns used on ancient artifacts. This exposure made me interested in the rich tapestry of historical artifacts and artworks spanning diverse cultures worldwide. and brought a powerful toolbox for me to use while creating art.
In addition to that, engaging in the act of reading and writing during my spare time enables me to forge subtle connections with others’ thoughts. This process brought me new perspectives on life, fuelling my reservoir of ideas and insights.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As an illustrator, I concentrate on creating fantasy illustrations and concept designs for creatures and characters. I specialize in creating intricately detailed images and designs, carefully crafted with captivating compositions and vibrant colors. Drawing inspiration from the Rococo style, I incorporate elaborate decorative elements into my illustrations, infusing my character and creature designs with rich cultural references. My work excels in capturing fleeting emotions and weaving narratives within each image. I prioritize fully understanding the story behind each piece and strive to express it innovatively through my compositions.
Currently, I am actively engaged in collaborations with fellow artists from the animation industry, seeking to broaden my experience with diverse projects. Furthermore, I am eagerly pursuing opportunities to contribute to larger-scale projects within the entertainment industry.
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?
I will say that creativity is the most important quality to preserve for obvious reasons. Other than that, critical thinking, and being able to accept critiques from others are the two essential qualities to have.
Based on my own experience, in the early stage of being an illustrator, expressing your ideas through your work is the most important thing to do. While doing that, to improve the ability of critical thinking, one great way of doing that is by looking at the illustrations in magazines, books, or websites. Ask yourself if that image works well with the article or not. If yes, what part of the image serves the idea the most, if not, then why does the illustration fail to do its job? For me, this kind of practice helps me a lot in criticizing my own work, making it better, and giving me a clearer mind when creating new art pieces.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When stress starts to weigh me down, I have a routine: I slip into nature for a walk. Amidst the trees and trails, exercise works its magic, pulling my mind away from chaos and into the present moment.
Social media isn’t my scene, and the pressure to be present there can be overwhelming. But I’ve learned to soothe myself, finding solace in face-to-face conversations and real-world connections.
In short, my stress-busting tactics revolve around grounding myself in nature and the tangible world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helenlxtphsy.artstation.com/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/xiaotonglang
