Emerging from the “obscurities of Seattle,” Hong-Kong American artist Juzo creates introspective and thought-provoking 3D artworks, often accompanied by ambient-style music. His work explores themes of mental health, melancholy, and memory, drawing inspiration from his own experiences with depression and anxiety.

Juzo's artistic journey began in 2011 when he experimented with free online design tools like Pixlr, eventually transitioning to Photoshop to create his own album covers. What started as a personal passion led to a freelance career designing covers for musicians, and later, a deeper dive into 3D art. Over time, he honed his craft to create personal works that have been auctioned as NFTs and exhibited worldwide in cities like Dubai, Singapore, and Beijing.

Music and visual art are deeply intertwined in his creative process. As a longtime music lover, Juzo sees 3D art as a way to bring the worlds and emotions he imagines to life. His work also reflects the contrasting cultural landscapes of Seattle and Hong Kong — Seattle’s rainy, subdued atmosphere has shaped his introspective aesthetic, while his Hong Kong heritage brings elements of East Asian influence into his visual storytelling.

We asked Juzo about his art, creative process, and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

Back in 2011, a friend got me into using free online design tools such as Pixlr to edit photos and graphics, which eventually led me to getting Photoshop where I started designing my own album covers for my mixtapes. Little did I know that I would become a freelance graphic designer, making covers for many different music artists.

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

I’m a huge advocate for mental health, so that usually inspires a lot of my work. I’ve dealt with depression and anxiety for most of my life, so pieces tend to feel a bit melancholic.

Your work combines 3D art and ambient music beautifully. How do these two mediums influence each other in your creative process?

I’ve always loved music growing up, it always took me to a different world and in my mind I was so intrigued by what I imagined. The 3D medium was a blessing because it helped me to be able to bring the worlds and visions I had to life.

Seattle and Hong Kong are two very different cultural landscapes. How have they influenced your art and perspective?

I find that a lot of my art and perspectives can be quite dreary. Seattle is quite rainy and gloomy most of the time, so the fact that I grew up in that environment makes me think that it played a role in shaping my personality and artistic expression.

Hong Kong is where my family originally immigrated from, so lots of artworks have touches of East Asian influence in there.

How has your experience with NFTs shaped your career as an artist? Were there any surprises or lessons you’ve taken away from it?

It was an interesting experience, I definitely have received many great opportunities from the space and also had people buy/collect my work which was great, but I think in general it was a tough experience in terms of just incorporating my work with NFT technology. I did gain a lot of support from it so for that I'm thankful.

What’s one memory or experience that’s shaped your creative voice in ways you never expected?

I can’t say I never expected this, but probably all the pain I went through growing up. I think all my artworks generally have some sort of message regarding the suffering I went through and I try to use that as an envoy of encouragement for others who might be dealing with similar circumstances.

If one of your 3D creations could come to life, which one would you want to sit down and have a conversation with — and what would you ask them?

Hmmm maybe my piece, ‘evolution’. It’s my most popular piece so I kinda wanna see what makes people drawn to it.

Have there been any surprising or memorable responses to your work?

Back when I was a full-time artist and more active on social media, I honestly was quite surprised at the love I received for my pieces. Whether it was music, writing, or digital art I spent years not receiving the kind of recognition I wanted, so many times it was just me grinding to get better and better, so when I started posting my 3D pieces and got a bunch of support and opportunities from all around the world, it felt like my hard work finally paid off.

What is a dream project you’d like to make one day?

I definitely want to create an album one day, coupled with my own 3D animations. Perhaps even a poetry book since I do still love writing.