Q: Originally from [where?] what are some of your favorite things about living and working in [your current locale]?

A: I'm originally from Vancouver, Canada and am currently back in the West Coast after living in the East Coast of the States for the past couple years but will be moving to France this fall! 

Q: Do you keep a sketchbook? What is the balance between art you create on paper [or other analog medium] versus in the computer?

A: Yes! I always keep one on me especially when traveling, it's great as a way for not only remembering what you see but also as a means of communication. People seem more receptive when they can look into your personal notes and ways of seeing the world. 

There is always a pull for me between digital and traditional but I always try to have the medium come second to the story of the image.

Q: What is the most important item in your studio?

A: Most likely my hard drive but I'm in desperate need of upgrading to a larger one, ha!

Q: How do you know when the art is finished—or when to stop working on it?

A: I like to work on multiple things at the same time, so often I'll leave something if I'm not satisfied and come back to it later. Sometimes I'll find I like it as is and all I needed was to step away from it for a bit.

Q: What was your favorite book as a child?

A: All of Roald Dahl's books kept me endlessly entertained when I was a child and also the world created in The Chronicles of Narnia. Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader are ones I always find myself re-reading.

Q: What is the best book you’ve recently read?

A: It's not a recent read but Another Countryby James Baldwin comes to mind. It's been a couple years since I've read it but parts of it come back to sit and stay in my memory quite often. 

Q: If you had to choose one medium to work in for an entire year, eliminating all others, what medium would you choose?

A: Most likely ink since it's the medium I work in the most when I'm in studio or out travelling but I wouldn't be opposed to charcoal even though I haven't used it regularly in a while. It has so many malleable qualities and can be moved around so well on paper.

Q: What elements of daily life exert the most influence on your work practice?

A: Definitely people-watching, observing how others interact on the street and small gestures and actions. I love seeing small quick tender moments between friends or families that reveal a small window of intimacy that we all connect us in our greater private lives.

Q: What was the strangest/most interesting assignment you've taken that has an important impact on your practice, and what changed through the process?

A: Recently someone did attempt to scam me, so I cut off contact before any transactions was made but I found out other friends and peers had encountered the same person. The email always had the same introductory message and budget. I didn't lose anything but it made me sure that I should always trust my gut when it comes to things like this. Funnily enough I think the same person tried sending me another similar message but under a different name. Honestly it was a little flattering because it seemed like they were going through a lot of work to scam in the most complicated way possible, haha!

Q: What would be your last supper?

A: My favourite foods are Vietnamese and Sashimi, but for some reason I keep thinking of a hot dog for my last meal. Maybe it's something about the mustard and relish that I think would be a great way to send yourself off to the next adventure.

Gracey Zhang is an illustrator and animator, based wherever the food is good and the weather is warm. Clients include The New York Times, Plansponsor, Darling Magazine, and CBC Radio. She will be attending the Maison des Auteurs residency in Angoulême, France starting this fall.
Website: graceyzhang.com
Instagram: @graceyyz