Meet Ziggy Yang

We were lucky to catch up with Ziggy Yang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ziggy, 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?

I keep my creativity alive by putting myself in unfamiliar situations, but at the same time, I’m always reflecting on my own experiences and what I already know. Being in new environments often makes me rethink things I took for granted—this friction between the familiar and the new gives me fresh ideas. Honestly, the best inspirations usually come when I’m slightly uncomfortable or questioning my old ways of thinking. Instead of avoiding that uncertainty, I lean into it, because that’s where interesting stuff happens. For me, creativity stays alive when I’m balancing between exploring something new and revisiting myself.

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?

I’m an installation artist, and my work explores the complex interactions between human, culture, and technology—often through kinetic or interactive pieces. What excites me most is creating experiences that invite people to pause, reflect, and connect with emotions they might typically overlook or suppress. Growing up in China and now living in New York, my art often examines the tension between traditional Eastern values and modern, tech-driven life. Recently, I’ve developed an AI-driven installation called the “Compliment Machine,” which uses my digitally replicated voice to deliver personalized compliments to people, sparking conversations about emotional expression and social norms. This installation will be featured at the ITP spring show at New York University on May 11th and 12th.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

First, having clear goals. Knowing what you want gives you direction. Spend time clarifying your vision—write it down, revisit it, and adjust it often. Clear goals help you stay focused, make better decisions, and remind you why you’re doing what you do.

Second, perseverance. Every journey has obstacles and setbacks, but persistence sets successful people apart. I think challenges aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to learn and grow. Keep showing up, even when things get tough, and your dedication will pay off.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to embrace change. Flexibility is essential, especially in creative or entrepreneurial paths. Being open to change lets you adapt quickly and keeps you relevant. Step outside your comfort zone regularly—it’s where growth happens.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My biggest area of growth over the past 12 months has been learning to embrace uncertainty and adapt quickly when plans shift. Previously, I preferred sticking closely to familiar methods and predictable outcomes, but this past year, I’ve actively pushed myself to get comfortable with ambiguity. By stepping into new projects, collaborating with people from different fields, and being open to spontaneous ideas, I’ve learned to let go of rigid expectations. This flexibility has sparked deeper creativity in my work and improved my problem-solving skills. Now, instead of feeling anxious when things change unexpectedly, I find excitement in discovering new possibilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ziggyyang.com
• Instagram: @longmuse_