Yiming Zhai

There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “Good wine needs no bush.” For a long time, I believed in that idea. I thought that as long as I continued creating meaningful work, people would eventually discover it. However, after becoming a professional artist, I realized that learning how to present and share one's work is just as important. That realization encouraged me to showcase my work across different platforms and connect with people from diverse creative fields. I submitted this project to the MUSE Creative Awards because it represents a significant milestone in my artistic journey. It was the first major step in expanding my work beyond the page and into architectural and public spaces. Winning this award is a tremendous honor and holds deep personal meaning for me. It reaffirms my commitment to my visual language and narrative style while giving my work international recognition. To have it seen and acknowledged on such a respected platform is both exciting and professionally rewarding. It marks a meaningful milestone in my career.

This work was created for LandDesign's Dallas office, drawing inspiration from the city's distinctive character and vibrant atmosphere. My goal was to create a welcoming environment that conveyed a sense of friendliness, humor, and warmth to everyone who entered the space. Whether the viewers were employees working there every day or clients visiting for business meetings, I wanted them to feel relaxed, welcomed, and pleasantly surprised as they moved through the space. The mural incorporates many local landmarks, cultural references, and recognizable elements that celebrate the spirit of Dallas. Rather than relying on bright or overwhelming colors, I chose to fill the front wall with bold black linework. I wanted the mural to quietly complement the space when it was not the main focus. At the same time, for those who paused to take a closer look, I included many playful and unexpected details waiting to be discovered. To me, this project represents a way of bringing illustration into a professional environment while preserving its sense of humor, warmth, and storytelling.

I believe one of the reasons this project stood out is that it introduced a playful, childlike visual language into an office environment typically associated with formality and professionalism. Rather than using a mural primarily to reinforce corporate identity or institutional presence, I wanted the work to bring warmth, personality, and a sense of approachability to the space. My intention was to create an environment that felt welcoming, engaging, and human while remaining appropriate for a professional setting. The contrast between the workplace and the tone of the artwork became one of the project's greatest strengths, demonstrating how illustration can enrich everyday environments through creativity, storytelling, and genuine human connection.

To be honest, I have a slight fear of heights. Climbing a ladder and painting the highest sections of the wall was a little intimidating at times. Fortunately, the excitement of bringing the mural to life quickly outweighed that fear. As I became fully immersed in the creative process, my attention shifted entirely to the work itself. Each step of the project made me more confident, and the experience reminded me that genuine passion often helps us overcome challenges we never expected to face.

Being recognized by an internationally respected platform such as this award program gives me greater confidence to continue developing my artistic direction. It encourages me to keep exploring the relationship between illustration, storytelling, and public space rather than limiting myself to a single area of creative practice. In the long term, I hope this recognition will allow more people to discover my work and lead to meaningful creative collaborations. I see this honor not as an endpoint, but as encouragement to continue refining my visual language, exploring new creative possibilities, and expanding the contexts in which my work can exist.

After completing this project, I began receiving more mural commissions. One client, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. When I asked whether they had any specific design requirements, they simply told me there were no restrictions and encouraged me to have complete creative freedom. Their only request was for me to create the most "Yiming" work possible. That moment meant a great deal to me. It reminded me that people were not only responding to the mural itself but also connecting with my personal visual language and artistic identity. That recognition gave me the confidence to continue creating work that feels authentic to who I am.

My advice to other artists and creators is to spend time developing a visual language that truly belongs to them rather than constantly chasing trends. When I studied at SVA, one phrase I often heard from my professors was, “Be yourself.” That advice continues to shape my practice today. It sounds simple, but it carries tremendous meaning. A strong creative voice is not built overnight. It is developed through continuous observation, experimentation, and an honest reflection on one's own experiences. When it comes to competitions and awards, I believe the most compelling entries are often those that communicate a distinct personal perspective. Technical skill is certainly important, but sincerity, clarity, and individuality are what ultimately make a piece memorable and leave a lasting impression.

This is a very important question. The world is changing rapidly, especially as we enter an era increasingly shaped by AI. These developments bring both challenges and opportunities. In my illustration series Cola Marks Everywhere, I also explore these ideas. While technology can make the creative process more efficient and accessible, I believe it also makes personal artistic expression more valuable than ever. Looking ahead, I hope to continue working across illustration, mural art, publishing, and spatial storytelling. I want to create work that feels lighthearted, humorous, and approachable at first glance while revealing emotional depth and meaning over time. No matter how technology continues to reshape the creative industry, I believe people will always be moved by sincerity, authenticity, and a genuinely human perspective. Those qualities are timeless, and they will remain at the heart of meaningful creative work.

I believe it is completely natural for artists to feel hesitant or nervous before entering awards or competitions. Artists are often sensitive by nature, and many of us do not enjoy the feeling of being compared with others. In my view, a competition does not have to be seen as a battle where one person must defeat another. Instead, it can be an opportunity for artists to share their ideas, creative processes, and unique ways of seeing the world while learning from one another. I do not believe artists need to wait until everything feels perfect before participating. At the same time, they should not create solely for awards or trends. The works that resonate most deeply are often those that are sincere, personal, and authentic. In many cases, that sense of authenticity leaves a far more lasting impression than perfection ever could.

I believe it is incredibly valuable to communicate and collaborate with people from different fields and backgrounds. Throughout my career, some of my most meaningful opportunities have come from unexpected conversations, a simple interaction on Instagram, or people who believed in my work before I fully believed in myself. My message to fellow creatives, marketers, and advertising professionals is this: creating meaningful work is essential, but so is sharing it with others. Letting people know who you are, what you create, and why your work matters can open doors that talent alone may not open immediately. Creative work thrives through connection. Sharing your story is not only a way to build those connections, but also an opportunity to inspire others while allowing your work to reach the people it was meant to reach.

I would like to dedicate this honor to the people who have supported and encouraged me throughout every stage of my creative journey: my parents, my wife, and my professors from art school. I am especially thankful to my professors at SVA and SCAD. Their guidance and encouragement helped shape me as both an artist and a person. Without their mentorship, I would have taken many more detours before becoming a professional artist. The creative values they shared continue to influence the way I think, create, and approach my work. I am also deeply appreciative of the clients and collaborators who have placed their trust in me and given me opportunities to embrace new challenges. Their confidence has encouraged me to create with greater courage and conviction. Finally, I want to thank my wife and our beloved dog, Cola. Many of my personal illustration works are inspired by them. Through moments of uncertainty and self-doubt, they have always been by my side, offering unwavering love and support. I will always be grateful for their presence in my life.

I would describe the work as “a space transformed into a picture book that people can walk into.” Rather than serving solely as decoration, I wanted the mural to create a sense of lightness, curiosity, and interaction. My goal was to invite people into a visual story—one that encourages them to pause, explore, and discover something new each time they experience the space.

At the moment, I plan to continue focusing on mural creation while further refining my techniques as a mural artist. If everything goes well, I also hope to collaborate with like-minded creatives and eventually establish my own mural team. At the same time, I will continue developing children's books and character-driven personal projects. One of them is my illustration series Cola Marks Everywhere, which follows a small schnauzer named Cola as it travels through different environments, leaving its own marks along the way. The series reflects my interest in humor, storytelling, and the idea of individual presence in an increasingly digital world. Of all the projects ahead, the one I am most excited about is my upcoming children's book, Look! This Is My Dinosaur! I first created the story while studying in art school, inspired by childhood imagination and the simple, joyful idea of becoming friends with a dinosaur. I look forward to sharing it with readers in the future.