Meet Qi | Artist/ actor

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

Hi Qi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risks are fun! my friends told me I’m a little dare devil. I think sometimes “risks” are a gateway for the creativity of life to manifest itself. when people say “taking a risk”, it typically means that they don’t know what is going to happen. it might be a conventional way or even a safe way for things to be done but I’m living for the surprises. Lots of great artists took what other people thought are “risks” and made great arts.

I don’t think I would be where I am now if didn’t take risks. Moving abroad by myself at 17 years old was a risk. Switching from studying psychology to acting was a risk. Moving to New York was a risk. Moving to LA was also a risk. all those risks I have taken, took where I am now.

I love journaling. I often look back on the day when I decided to take the risk and I would write how I don’t know what my future would hold, the potential risks and rewards. Now when I look at them, it’s all worth it!

acting is a risky sport, you need to let your inner most vulnerable self to be seen by a bunch of stranger on set or in the theatre. But I always liberated when I let my vulnerability shown because I know it’s a step to becoming a better actor. sometimes, I feel silly but most times I’m glad I took the risks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Chinese actor currently splitting my time between New York and Los Angeles. I guess what sets me apart from other artists is my passion to portraying characters who might not be cool in the eyes of society. More often they are the ‘losers” in the society. However, I find their stories very compelling and I think we need more stories like that. I don’t think audience want to be told what is right or wrong, but they want stories that help them cope with their struggles in day to day life.

My journey to being an actor is not a smooth road. coming from a traditional Chinese family, being an actor is the last thing my family wants. I moved from a rural part of China to Australia and then to the US. I need to work on my English and learn a new way of living. that’s long story short.

I’m so glad I have a great support system, my friends, my family and my mentors. I learnt to be kinder to myself (which I’m still working on it), to have more patience. sometimes, I have to temporarily numb my feelings to move forward. As long as I;m moving forward, it’s great.

I just hope my work would inspire people to be themselves and explore the world inside of them

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
oh ok two things! I’m a big hiker! There are so many great hiking spot in LA, Griffith Park, Wilacre park are great options. Another spot I would take my friends to is a Vietnam restaurant in Van Nuys called New 999 pho. Their pho is so authentic and great value.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I actually want to shoutout my parents, I don’t think I give them enough credits. They are extremely hard working people. they worked various jobs, such as cab driver and factory worker, to support their family. I wouldn’t have the opportunity to study abroad if it was for them. They worked endlessly try to give their children a better life. I love them very much.

I didn’t know what a good parent they are until recently. They taught me good work ethics and entrepreneurial mindset which is extremely important to being an actor. when I have moments where I think I’m too weird and I want to give up, my mom would remind me to use my uniqueness as my strength and keep going.

They are my great inspirations

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