Creative Risk Episode 5: Zipeng Zhu

Secrets come in many forms. Corporate secrets to protect key business assets. Personal secrets to protect personal information. Creative secrets to protect the working process of the artist or designer. Zipeng Zhu’s career is a paradox – on the one hand seemingly open and candy-colored with all the sparkle and shine of his playful, often sexual work. On the other hand, a portfolio which lives semi-under wraps due to the restraints in place from client non-disclosure agreements.

On this episode of Creative Risk we explore the dynamics of working in the upper reaches of the branding and design business – and the uncanny resemblance it can have to working for a secret branch of the government. We also get a glimpse into Zipeng’s personal life, where the decision to keep quiet his otherwise loud and proud sexuality for his traditional Chinese family is a compromise he is willing to make to continue walking a path forward towards mutual understanding and love. Zipeng helps us to see the silver linings in the most challenging circumstances and make sure that every sparkle counts.