Today we’d like to introduce you to Xinyi (Nini) Zhu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved drawing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I loved drawing cutesy fairytale princesses from Grimm stories. I’d doodle in textbooks and often math home works much to my teacher’s dismay. I still remember winning an art competition in middle school and having my drawing displayed in the hallway for an entire semester. I was so proud of that!
But art was never encouraged at home, unfortunately. I saw it only as a pastime, a hobby, a way to cope when I was stressed as it always brought me comfort. The stigma of the “starving artist” is alive and well in many cultures, and the thought of making art a career had never crossed my mind.
After graduation, I moved from sunny Florida to New Hampshire (not realizing how brutal winter really is!) for a job as a Marketing Coordinator, which eventually turned into a Graphic Designer position. I was fortunate to work in a creative field and actually put my degree to use. But I wasn’t truly happy, there was little room for creative freedom and I could only design what others asked of me. I slowly lost that spark overtime, but I was too comfortable and afraid to leave that job. Then without any notice, I was furloughed in 2020 due to the pandemic, and it was the push I needed.
Losing my job really gave me the time to pause and reflect on what I truly wanted to do. It was year of harsh realities and a lot of introspection, and I was hit with the overwhelming sense that life is too short and unpredictable. I began drawing again to cope with the anxiety, and as always, it brought me so much peace and comfort. I drew every day during lockdown, and those ended up being some of my happiest days. I’d wake up, put on my favorite show, open Procreate, and start drawing. I started sharing my art online, and a few months later, I made the decision to move to Memphis, TN and launched my art shop.
One thing led to another, I participated in my first-ever in-person event at the Memphis Comic Expo in September 2022. The experience was incredibly rewarding and further fueled my passion to continue creating art that bring smiles to people’s faces. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in various conventions such as MomoCon, Anime NYC, and many more throughout the country.
Looking back, I feel like my journey with art has really come full circle. I started as a kid who loved drawing, then life steered me toward a practical corporate job, and years later, somehow through all the twists and turns, I’ve found my way back to that same joy. I never imagined being a full-time artist was even possible, and I’m grateful every day that I get to create and share a bit of joy with people from all walks of life through my art.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! There have been plenty of moments of self-doubt in the beginning, and honestly, even now. It can be overwhelming at times, especially when things don’t go as planned or when sales are slow. There’s also the constant pressure of comparison, especially since being active on social media is such a big part of running a small business. Seeing other artists who seem to be doing “better” or growing faster can sometimes make me feel like I’m falling behind. I didn’t begin pursuing art seriously until my 30s. It’s easy to feel like I’m playing catch-up, but I’ve learned to remind myself that everyone’s path unfolds differently. I had a whole career before this and now I’m doing what the younger version of me loved, but with all the wisdom, skills, and life experience I’ve gathered along the way.
And of course, there’s also getting my mom’s approval, haha. Coming from an Asian culture where creative careers aren’t always seen as “stable,” it definitely took some time for her to see that this could actually be something real and sustainable. But I think she’s finally come to terms with art being my career. And she’s even helped out at a convention!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’d say my art is a blend of cute, cozy, and nostalgia. Most of what I draw is influenced by my Asian roots, childhood memories, favorite snacks, cozy moments, and of course, my cat Taro, who has become my brand’s mascot.
I think what sets my art apart is my love for intricate details and whimsical storytelling. I really enjoy creating pieces that invite people to look closer. One of my biggest joy is seeing people’s reactions when they notice the little details in my drawings.
I will admit, I am my own toughest critic and I’m still learning to be proud of myself (work in progress!). But I’m incredibly proud of how far my small business has come, from learning digital art on my iPad to now traveling across the country for conventions and meeting the most wonderful people who connect with my art. Watching my product collections grow and seeing my art in people’s hands will always feel surreal in the best way.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I just want to say how thankful I am for everyone who has supported my art journey thus far, whether it’s through visiting my booth at a convention, ordering from my shop, or simply leaving a kind comment or words of encouragement. It truly means the world to me and keeps me going, especially on the tough days.
To anyone out there who’s thinking about starting something creative but feels “too late” or “not ready”, it’s never too late, you are not too old, you don’t need everything figured out to begin. Just start, even if it’s small, and take things one step at a time. I promise the growth, joy, and connection you’ll find along the way will be worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kofukuartstudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kofuku.art/?hl=en
- Other: https://kofukuart.pixpa.com/
