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

Hi Zeping, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
From a young age, I’ve had a deep passion for painting and aesthetics, and this instinctive interest has fueled my curiosity about the industry. Now, I am captivated by the fusion of various media and forms of expression, which has led me down a creative career path. My curiosity about different media empowers me to create diverse artistic works, aligning with the concept of exploring and conveying complex, multi-layered narratives through creativity—whether in film, visual design, or experimental art.

What drives me on a deeper level is the belief that humans are but a small species on the long timeline of the universe. We are born, we evolve, but one day we will inevitably face extinction. However, I hope to leave behind traces for humanity, or even for myself. Perhaps many years from now, when other species study humans, they will not only discover our technology and historical progress but also see the emotional and intellectual depth in the art we have created.

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.
What sets me apart as an artist is the way I blend multiple media and disciplines, creating work that moves fluidly across different realms. I draw inspiration from everything around me—film, visual design, technology, nature—and try to weave these together in ways that create both beauty and meaning. I am particularly drawn to stories that explore surrealism, introspection, and the abstract, such as my current project that intertwines themes of retrospection, rebirth, noise, and the Mandelbrot set.

One thing I’m especially proud of is my ability to express complex emotional or psychological states through audiovisual language. My films like Trapped and Vergehen allowed me to tap into these deeper emotional layers, using subjective camera design and surreal elements to tell stories that resonate on a personal level. In my upcoming project, exploring Alzheimer’s from a surrealist perspective is something that excites me because it pushes me to visualize the inner world of someone in a vulnerable state.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. It took a lot of perseverance to navigate the world of film and production, especially as I ventured into commercial production with major brands like Dior, HUAWEI, and Mercedes Benz. Balancing creativity with the demands of large-scale productions was a steep learning curve. There were times I doubted whether I could find my unique voice while working on such big projects, but I realized that every challenge was an opportunity to evolve. I learned how to merge commercial appeal with artistic integrity, which has become a key aspect of my work.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of curiosity and resilience. The creative process is often unpredictable, and maintaining a sense of wonder and adaptability has helped me overcome setbacks. Staying curious also means that I’m constantly learning new ways to tell stories and push boundaries.

What I want the world to know about me is that my art is a reflection of my own journey, my sensitivity toward the world, and my belief in the power of diverse perspectives. I’m committed to continuing this path, blending different forms of media to tell stories that make people pause, reflect, and feel connected. My brand is rooted in creativity, innovation, and a deep respect for the stories that make us human.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a trip filled with natural beauty, cultural experiences and fun:

On the first, we’d head to Santa Monica Beach to enjoy the natural scenery, bask in the California sun and sand, and experience the unique charm of California on the famous Pacific Wheel. Next, we’d visit Griffith Observatory, where we’d take in panoramic views of Los Angeles and marvel at the mysteries of the universe. Then, we’d explore Hollywood, stroll along the Walk of Fame, visit film studios, and immerse ourselves in the magic of the film industry. To dive deeper into the world of film, we’d spend a day at Universal Studios, experiencing thrilling rides and behind-the-scenes magic of blockbuster movies. In the evening, we’d catch a live performance of the musical Hamilton, enjoying world-class theater at its best. The next day, we’d head to Disneyland for a full day of adventure, reliving childhood memories with classic rides, parades, and shows in the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Then, we’d escape to Catalina Island, where we could hike, dive, and fully immerse ourselves in the peace and wonders of nature. Our final stop would be the Getty Museum to admire classic works from masters like Monet, ending the trip with an enriching artistic experience.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, film magic, and pure fun!

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 dedicate this gratitude to a few people who have profoundly influenced me. First, I want to thank directors Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve. Their works have constantly sparked my creativity and deepened my love for the art of filmmaking throughout my growth. I’ve watched every film they created along their journey, and I can feel their progress as they move closer to expressing the stories they truly want to tell. With each film, they achieve new breakthroughs, which has been a great source of inspiration for me.

At the same time, I am in awe of their profound thinking and mastery of cinematic expression. Nolan’s complex narrative structures and Villeneuve’s visual aesthetics have greatly shaped my understanding and approach to film language. Whenever I face creative challenges, their works provide me with the motivation and inspiration to move forward.

Second, I am especially grateful to my mother. She has given me endless love and support and, more importantly, taught me the courage to pursue my dreams and face adversity. Her positive attitude toward life and tireless efforts have always been a guiding light on my path. Throughout my artistic journey, she has been my most steadfast source of strength.

It is because of these sources of encouragement and inspiration from different fields that I have come this far, continuing to explore my creative path.

Website: https://sirensun3.wixsite.com/zeping

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siren3o?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zepingsun?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Twitter: https://x.com/ZepingSuno

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560517137964&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZepingSun

Other: https://www.xinpianchang.com/u12699710?xpcApp=xpc&channel=link&type=URL&from=share

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