THE PAINTER

An art major at Shenyang Ligong University, Zhang Ciman, 22, also helps run a coffee shop in Shenyang where she began her modest broadcasting career about a year ago. By sharing her artwork, performing songs, and taking requests, Zhang has accumulated over 10,000 followers. Hundreds of these fans watch her live shows every day and Zhang uses the virtual gifts from her audience to help pay off tuition fees of around 5,000 RMB per semester, as well as living expenses.

“My mother knows that I’m involved in broadcasting. She even watches my show and helps me deal with some of the problems I have during the performance,” Zhang says. “And by earning money, I feel I am more independent.”

Zhang displays her work during a broadcast. Many of Zhang's fans are amateur artists who use her videos for tips and advice on improving their own work