DR ZEJUN YAO – CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CULTURAL PRODUCER
Consulting · Visual Storytelling · Talent Support · Cross-Cultural Collaboration
// Where creativity meets connection,
across publishing, performance, and education.
Hello, I’m Zejun.
I’m a Franco-British creative director and cultural producer working at the intersection of children’s publishing, artistic collaboration, and cross-disciplinary design.
My work spans concept development, art direction, and creative consulting for clients and artists working in illustration, sound, performance, and installation. I support emerging and established creatives, manage international teams across time zones, and represent visual projects at trade fairs, festivals, and cultural events globally.
I bring a background in cinema and fine art, a doctorate in participatory research, and an interest in sensory, movement-based communication. Fluent in English, French, Mandarin, and conversational Japanese, I thrive in multilingual and multicultural settings.
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📍 Based in Europe | Working Worldwide
Creative Direction
• Visual strategy & concept development
• Art direction for children’s publishing & educational media
• Project support for cross-cultural and multi-format content
International Production & Representation
• Experience managing artists across time zones & disciplines
• Representation at fairs, trade shows, and client meetings
• Multilingual cultural mediation for global clients
Consulting & Mentorship
• Artist support
• Career development, portfolio advice & guidance
• Public engagement & participatory project design
// Experience & Background
With over a decade of professional practice in Europe and Asia, I’ve co-produced film projects that premiered at international festivals (Busan, Rotterdam, Taipei), served as a jury member for film and art contests, and coached creatives through international residencies and publishing initiatives.
I currently lead creative direction for children’s content and digital media for an international client, and I’m open to new freelance collaborations.
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PhD in Fine Art – University of Leeds
MA in International & Artistic Cooperation – University of Paris 8
BA in Cinema Directing – ESEC Paris
Awarded: Café Royal Publishing Grant (2024)
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💬 Languages: English · Français · 中文 · 日本語 (basic)
👟 Also: Qualified athletics coach & amateur endurance athlete
// Selected Projects & Appearances
Available as a downloadable PDF on request
Some of the institutions and venues where I’ve exhibited or collaborated include: Ruskin Gallery (Cambridge) · Show Off FIAC (Paris) · Institut français Kyushu (Fukuoka) · Confucius Institute de Bretagne (Rennes) · French Cultural Centre (Beijing) · and numerous international film festivals in Europe and Asia.
//Let’s work togetheR
Interested in collaborating? Let’s start a conversation.
Whether you’re looking for creative direction, talent support, cross-cultural production, or consultation on a project—I’m happy to connect.