Meet Yueqiao Ma | Multidisciplinary Artist & Tattoo Artist

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

Hi Yueqiao, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I knew I would become an artist since I started walking. Growing up in China as an only child, life hasn’t been easy for me. I grew up with my grandparents while my parents worked day and night, I hardly had time to hang out with them. I used to draw on the ground by myself a lot to kill time. The neighborhood I grew up in only had a few kids, most of them were older than me, and we hardly had any common interests. So, a lot of the times, I would spend by myself. Art has helped me to create my own little world. Drawing with chalk, on the walls, making up characters from imagination, having imaginary friends, I started making comic books when I was five. Anime and cartoons that played on the TV became a big part of my routine. Soon enough, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up: an artist. I always believed that art helps people in different ways like how it has helped me. With undiagnosed ADD, creating is the only thing that has my full attention, it’s therapeutic, it helps me to understand myself better in many ways.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a reflection of my multifaceted creative journey, characterized by a blend of tattooing, clothing design, 3D modeling and animation, graphic design, etc. What sets me apart is my commitment to multidisciplinary artistry, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and innovative technologies. I am most proud of my ability to seamlessly integrate these various forms of expression into a cohesive and unique artistic voice.

The path to where I am today was far from easy. Initially, I faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, self-doubt, and navigating the competitive art world. Overcoming these obstacles required perseverance, continuous learning, and a relentless passion for my craft. My involvement with Crush, the studio I co-founded, has been a significant part of this journey. Collaborating with other talented artists has fueled my creativity, and our community has become a wellspring of inspiration.

The music, fashion, and youth cultures that surround me have profoundly influenced my art practice. These communities continuously inspire me, providing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that enrich my work. Embracing diverse skills and perspectives not only enhances my artistry but also fuels my personal growth.

What I want the world to know about me is that I am committed to pushing creative boundaries and continuously evolving as an artist. My story is one of passion, perseverance, and the belief that through art, I can connect, inspire, and make a meaningful impact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1-2: Exploring Chinatown and the Lower East Side (LES)

• Morning/Afternoon: Start the trip with a thrifting adventure in Chinatown and the Lower East Side. There’s some of my favorite thrift shops like the second street, women’s history museum, and tokio7 in east village, etc.
• Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the many fantastic eateries in Chinatown. Dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor or hand-pulled noodles at Xi’an Famous Foods are must-tries.
• Evening: Head to the LES for a delicious dinner. Enjoy some sushi at Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya or indulge in tapas at Beauty & Essex.
• Night: As a night owl, I’d introduce my friend to the incredible nightlife NYC offers. We’d start with drinks at a cozy speakeasy like Attaboy, and Angel’s share which has amazing cocktails.

Day 3-4: Immersing in Bushwick’s Art and Nightlife

• Morning/Afternoon: Spend the day exploring Bushwick, this is where me and a lot of the other creative people live, there’s pop ups happening all the time.
• Lunch: Have lunch at Roberta’s, a beloved pizza spot in Bushwick, known for its wood-fired pizzas and cool atmosphere. A lot of my friends work there.
• Evening: Continue the Bushwick experience with dinner at Pan, a Japanese fusion pizza restaurants which is right next to my studio Crush, even though this is in Ridgewood area-
• Night: Enjoy the nightlife with drinks at trans pecos, they always have cool performances, then Bossa nova ale Rash is they have cool artist spinning.

Day 5-7: Weekend Fun and Dancing at Nowadays

• Morning/Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through Central Park or visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art to soak in some culture.
• Lunch: For a quintessential New York experience, grab a bagel with lox at Russ & Daughters.
• Evening-night : As the weekend approaches, gear up for a night of dancing at Nowadays, my favorite venue. It’s a fantastic spot with great music, an outdoor area, and a welcoming vibe.

This would be an unforgettable experience not like any other typical New York trip anyone else would have.

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 give a shout out to my studio mates at Crush. Last October, a few fellow artists and I came together to build our own studio, and it’s become a cornerstone of my creative journey. This studio has been a wellspring of inspiration, as we constantly motivate each other. Despite our diverse backgrounds, our shared passion for art has united us, fostering a collaborative environment where we’re creating something truly special. Every day, I learn something new from my incredibly talented peers. We are five members strong, and I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
Our studio, Crush, consists of five members from different cities and cultures, united by our shared passion for tattooing. However, our creative endeavors extend far beyond that. We also design clothing, create 3D models, work on technology-related projects, paint, and more. Being multidisciplinary artists is a hallmark of our generation, and the opportunity to continually learn new skills from one another is incredibly valuable. This constant exchange of inspiration and knowledge not only enhances our artistry but also contributes to our growth as individuals.
That’s why I want to shout out to crush, my friends, my family, my inspiration.

Website: https://www.cyborghotline.com

Instagram: @shyr0dent and @neobot.fbx

Twitter: Shyr0dent

Image Credits
Personal picture: photo by Mia Teresa ig@howaboutmia