We recently connected with Yaqi Zhang and have shared our conversation below.
Yaqi, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a continual journey for me. Upon entering the field of art, I found myself surrounded by incredibly talented and experienced individuals, which triggered a persistent sense of anxiety. The initial phase was tough, filled with self-doubt and a lack of satisfaction in my work. The constant comparison to others made me question my own abilities every day, and I reached a point where the joy of creating started to wane.
The turning point came when I shifted my focus from the external measures of success to something more intrinsic – making friends. In cultivating meaningful connections within my circle, I discovered a supportive community that didn’t judge or value individuals based on their artistic achievements. It wasn’t about accolades or works of art; it was about warmth and helpfulness. Conversations with my friends revealed that nobody was scrutinizing my capabilities; instead, they genuinely appreciated my art.
This realization was pivotal. I understood that art isn’t a field with a rigid set of qualifications or standards. It’s a personal journey, a form of expression where there’s no universal scale of ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ The encouragement and assistance I received from my friends, irrespective of their own artistic prowess, helped me break free from the confines of imposter syndrome. I embraced the notion that in art, there’s room for everyone, and each creative voice is valid.
In essence, the support and genuine appreciation from my friends allowed me to shed the weight of self-doubt and emerge from the shadows of imposter syndrome. It taught me that authenticity and the pursuit of personal expression are the true measures of success in the world of art.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I began my academic journey as a science student, motivated by societal expectations that deemed science majors more lucrative and meaningful. However, my heart had always been drawn to the arts. As a child, I immersed myself in music, playing the guitar throughout my teenage years, and delving into the world of movies and animation. The allure of storytelling, especially through frames in animation, captivated me deeply.
Despite this love for the arts, I succumbed to the prevailing cultural notion that success, wealth, and life’s purpose were more attainable through a science major. Surprisingly, I excelled in science, but I couldn’t escape the nagging feeling that my true passion lay elsewhere.
As I neared graduation with a science degree, the prospect of a future dominated by mathematics felt unbearable. Determined to chart my own course, I chose to pivot towards art. The transition was challenging as I delved into a realm I hadn’t formally studied before. Teaching myself the intricacies of art was tough, yet remarkably rewarding. I discovered a newfound joy in creating animations, a medium that allowed me to tell my story and express my emotions.
Embarking on a two-year art program provided me with not only technical skills but also a supportive community. Through my journey, I found kindred spirits who shared my passion for art. The culmination of this artistic evolution manifested in an interactive installation for my final project, inviting everyone to engage with and play within the artistic experience.
What excites me the most about my work is the ability to revisit the joy of childhood through art. My creations often incorporate symbols of childhood, featuring themes inspired by fairytales and graphics resembling those drawn by kids. This nostalgic connection to my own joy of drawing and creating as a child infuses a unique and distinctive quality into my art.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the potential for growth and exploration within my artistic endeavors. Each new project is an opportunity to further refine my expression, embrace the challenges of the creative process, and continue building connections through the shared language of art.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful. Firstly, the importance of being a welcoming person and building connections has been transformative. As someone who, like many artists, identifies as introverted, I initially underestimated the power of friendships and professional connections. I’ve learned that having a supportive network, including peers and teachers, is invaluable. These connections not only helped me overcome periods of anxiety and depression but also provided emotional and professional support. My advice to those starting their journey is to prioritize building connections—never hesitate to ask for help, and embrace the profound impact that genuine friendships can have on both personal and professional growth.
Secondly, while technical skills are crucial, I’ve come to appreciate that life experiences are equally, if not more, important. In the early stages of my artistic pursuit, I focused heavily on acquiring techniques through online resources and classes. However, transitioning into the broader societal context revealed that real-world inspiration springs from lived experiences. Understanding people, and their stories, joys, and sorrows became the foundation for my artistic expression. My advice to those embarking on their journey is to balance technical learning with a rich and diverse set of life experiences. This will provide a well-rounded source of inspiration and creativity.
Thirdly, I’ve learned the significance of prioritizing sleep for overall well-being and creativity. The demanding nature of the artistic field often tempts individuals to sacrifice sleep in pursuit of goals and achievements. However, I’ve personally experienced the negative impact of sleep deprivation on both physical and mental health. Quality sleep is paramount for maintaining a healthy imagination and sustaining long-term creativity. My advice to fellow artists is to recognize the importance of sleep in fostering a healthy and imaginative mind. Strive for a balanced lifestyle that supports both artistic goals and overall well-being.
In summary, fostering connections, balancing technical skills with life experiences, and prioritizing sleep are three essential aspects of a successful artistic journey. Embracing these qualities can contribute not only to artistic growth but also to a fulfilling and sustainable career in the creative field.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth has been the development of my collaborative mindset. As an artist, I faced a personal hurdle in sharing my thoughts on storytelling and my unique narrative style with others. The challenge lay in the need to not only express my ideas but also to open myself up to receiving feedback and making necessary revisions, a process I found difficult in the past.
However, over the course of the last year, I’ve actively embraced collaboration. I’ve become more willing to share my ideas, seek valuable advice, and engage in collaborative efforts with others. This shift has immensely enriched my professional experience. I’ve learned that accepting and integrating diverse perspectives can lead to substantial improvements in my work. The willingness to consider others’ opinions and incorporate their insights has not only broadened my creative horizons but has also resulted in a tangible enhancement in the quality of my artistic output.
In essence, my newfound openness to collaboration has not only fostered a more dynamic and enriching creative process but has also contributed significantly to the overall improvement of my work. Embracing the power of collective creativity has been a transformative aspect of my artistic journey in the past year.
Contact Info:
- Website: kikizhang.art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiki-yaqi-zhang/
