Meet Xiang Jiapeng | Colorist, Director, Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xiang Jiapeng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xiang, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Yeah, it’s a bit of a long story that goes back to 2021. I have to give a huge shout-out to Jeffrey Chance, a professional colorist and a fellow MICA alum whom I really look up to. He led this incredible color grading workshop that opened my eyes to the world of professional color grading. It was the first time I truly grasped the art form, and I was utterly fascinated. Without overthinking it, I immersed myself in self-teaching color theory, color science, and color grading for a whole year.

Then, a year later, I crossed paths with Jeffrey again. When I told him he was the reason I dove into learning about colors, he got emotional – he shed a few tears. In that very moment, connecting with him on such a passionate level, I just knew: “Alright, I’m going to be a professional colorist.”

Currently, I’m working as an editor at a virtual production company. This job has introduced me to a ton of amazing DPs. I noticed something interesting: many DPs were looking for a colorist buddy, someone who could give them feedback on pictures and collaborate on developing images together. I absolutely adore teaming up with DPs, making images appealling. That’s why I set up my own color suite at home and started actively chatting with DPs.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe my journey as a colorist differs from that of most others. I began with very limited experience in cinematography. Unlike many other colorists who start as cinematographers and then transition to colorists, I approached the craft from a unique angle. My background as an artist has played a significant role in my approach to color grading. For instance, I understand image aesthetics through a philosophical lens, combining this perspective with my technical knowledge of color grading. This fusion has not only boosted my confidence but has also set me apart in the field.

Simultaneously, I am actively engaged in learning cinematography and having conversations with DPs. These interactions not only serve as valuable feedback for my color work but also broaden my understanding of the visual storytelling process.

In my opinion, one of the most significant challenges faced by colorists is confidence. In today’s digital age, you can find a plethora of information and courses about color grading online. What truly sets you apart is your unique perspective and the way you perceive images. I believe my artistic background continuously enriches my approach, allowing me to stand out in this competitive field.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ll show them around where I live – it’s this adorable little island near New York City. Then, we’ll probably hit up some museums in NYC; MOMA is one of my favorites. We’ll have a relaxed afternoon, maybe at a cozy brunch spot, followed by a casual stroll in Brooklyn. Oh, and I can’t forget about taking them to my workplace and introducing them to my coworkers. It sounds like a pretty fun plan to me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Big shout-out to Shifang Xu – her love, honesty, and support have meant a lot to me over these three years.

Website: https://www.xiangjiapeng.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiapeng_xiang/

Image Credits
@amytpetralia, Jiangshan Li