Meet Neko Jiang | Freelance Illustrator & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Neko Jiang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neko, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Creativity and art have always played significant roles in my life. Since I was very young, I discovered a profound interest in painting, colors, and expressing emotions. Every time I pick up a pen, it’s like entering a world where I can freely articulate my thoughts.

Art has provided me with a unique opportunity to see the world through my own perspective, conveying ideas and emotions to others through imagery. I’ve found that art is a great way to connect with audiences, touching their inner resonances, inspiring shared feelings, and even altering their perspectives.

Embarking on a career in artistic creation is also about continuous growth and learning. The world of art is brimming with limitless possibilities, enabling me to explore new techniques, mediums, and styles, thereby constantly challenging myself and advancing. Each artwork represents a fresh opportunity for me to transcend boundaries, explore innovation, and further develop my creativity and skills.

Artistic creation allows me to engage with the world in a distinctive manner, communicating emotions and inspiring contemplation through my creations. Amid this continuous exploration, I find personal growth and fulfillment. This journey of creativity is incredibly precious to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
During my journey of learning illustration and discovering my own illustrative style, I embarked on numerous experiments.

In the past, my creative focus leaned towards experimental animation, where I explored my own childhood and traumas. I employed organic mediums, such as pencil drawings and cut-paper stop motion, to create. Upon moving to New York, my illustrative style became more electronic in nature, with a greater emphasis on expressing moments of inspiration and emotional experiences from daily life. During my learning process, I came across Risograph printing and began experimenting with limited color practice using Risograph inks. This led to a shift in my art style towards flatness, increased visual texture, and an exploration of rich color palettes. Gradually, I started to find a comfortable and distinctive style.

I also tried my hand at various traditional drawing materials. For instance, my graduation project was a picture book created using acrylic gouache. For my current commercial work, I consistently utilize the method of creating drafts on iPad Procreate and then refining the details through digital coloring on a computer using Photoshop.

Another aspect I’d like to address is the struggle I faced as a foreign artist striving to establish myself as a freelance illustrator in the United States.

Post-graduation, my initial challenges included resolving work and visa-related issues. I persisted in reaching out to Art Directors across various industries, attempting to find potential collaborations. There was a period with no responses, which was undeniably disheartening and accompanied by self-doubt. However, over time, I started receiving responses and some work opportunities. Combined with awards from illustration competitions and media coverage, I eventually secured the O1B VISA, which is designated for extraordinary artists. Yet, obtaining the visa wasn’t the endpoint of my professional journey. As a freelancer, my income remains quite unstable, and I continue to work hard to strike a balance in this regard.

My path has been marked by persistence, adaptability, and the continuous pursuit of growth. I hope my experiences can inspire others who are navigating similar challenges in their artistic and professional pursuits.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my good friend came to visit New York, I would definitely start by taking her to the MoMA museum to see both classic and contemporary artworks. Then, we could walk to Central Park and grab a meal from The Halal Guys food cart, enjoying it while observing the diverse array of New Yorkers in this urban oasis. Next, we’d head to the MET museum, where I would show my friend the spots where I used to sketch when I visited the MET before. In the evening, we would find a Japanese restaurant in East Village, have dinner, and then take a leisurely stroll around the nearby Washington Square.

In fact, these are the kind of activities I often do on weekends, and these locations reflect my personal understanding of New York.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my journey to become an illustrator, I’ve received invaluable help and influence from many individuals, shaping who I am today.

First and foremost, I’d like to pay tribute to my parents. In fact, when I was very young, my mother insisted on enrolling me in dance classes, despite my strong aversion to dancing. It wasn’t until middle school that I approached my parents to express my desire to quit dance and pursue art instead. Rather than becoming upset, they recognized my passion for art and creativity. Their unwavering emotional and financial support allowed me to choose the academic and professional paths aligned with my interests, enabling me to chase my artistic dreams.

My art teachers and mentors have also played critical roles. Hailu Chen, my experimental animation instructor during my undergraduate years, inspired me with the artistic aspects of experimental animation and enhanced my artistic aesthetics. Branden Leach, the head of my graduate program, has been instrumental in providing invaluable advice during moments of self-doubt and confusion, guiding me toward clarity. Additionally, the other professors during my graduate studies, with their guidance, constructive criticism, and willingness to share knowledge, have significantly honed my skills. They believed in my potential and instilled in me the confidence to challenge limits and explore new artistic territories.

Website: www.nekojiang.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nekoojiang/

Image Credits
Neko Jiang