Meet Xuanxuan Gao

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

Hi Xuanxuan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was around four or five years old, both of my parents were very busy with their demanding jobs. One day, my mother asked if I wanted to go to an art studio on weekends to learn how to draw. This way, I could do something interesting and enjoyable while also staying out of trouble and not worrying them by being home alone. At that time, I thought drawing was something new and fun, so I agreed.

I’ve been drawing ever since. There were moments when I wanted to give up and sometimes I would take a break for a week or two. Occasionally, I even thought about quitting altogether. But my mother would ask me if I would regret giving up something I had worked on for so long and encourage me to give it another try. Each time I picked up a paintbrush again, I would rediscover my passion for drawing, and I never really stopped.

Over time, drawing has become an essential part of my life. So, pursuing a career in the arts felt like a natural choice for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would love to take them to my hometown, Shanxi. Recently, a fantastic Chinese game called “Black Myth: Wukong” has been released, and many of its scenes and inspirations come from the temples and Buddha statues in Shanxi. These awe-inspiring cultural relics and ancient buildings are truly worth seeing.

We would explore the rich cultural heritage, visiting ancient temples and stunning Buddha statues. We would also indulge in the local cuisine, famous for its unique flavors, such as Shanxi noodles and Pingyao beef. For drinks, we could try some traditional Chinese teas and local brews. Additionally, we’d spend time hanging out in the beautiful natural landscapes that Shanxi has to offer, such as the scenic Mount Wutai and the breathtaking Mianshan Scenic Area.

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 want to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged me to continue drawing. I am grateful to my parents for supporting my artistic pursuits. I am also very thankful for the opportunity to study concept art for game development at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Special thanks to Freya for her continuous care and encouragement. I also want to express my gratitude to my husband, Ming Chi, a wonderful concept artist. He always tells me that no matter what I want to do, he will support me unconditionally. He consistently encourages me to follow my passions. His enthusiasm for drawing has been a great influence on me, and he has helped me immensely with my studies. I have a lot to learn from him!

Website: https://lunagao.artstation.com/

Instagram: Luna Gao_art

Linkedin: Xuanxuan Gao

Image Credits
https://lunagao.artstation.com/