Regarding this event
There are no deified “super individuals” here. Only the real picture of surviving alone in the cracks of an industry for 22 years.
In 2004, Tan Xiaozheng graduated from the inaugural class of animation at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, carrying with him the ideal of “standardization” as a registered trademark. Twenty years later, he is still engaged in brand research and planning, but no longer believes in the myth of “full closed-loop protection”.
After 20 years of entrepreneurship, I haven’t made it big. Starting a business alone is not a myth, but a helplessness in the cracks of the times.
This time, we will discuss behind closed doors the core of the three podcasts we have released before:
Lessons from trademark disputes – How should startups protect themselves and avoid pitfalls
The Myth of the Organizational Chart – Why Turning Individuals into Large Corporations is a Fundamental Logical Error
Willingness and Cost — How Long-term Loneliness and Mental Tension Set the Stage for Depression
In the age of AI, the tools have been upgraded, but the backache from bending over and sweating is only known to those who do the work.
Refuse to sell anxiety, refuse to create get-rich-quick myths, and stick to fundamental logic.
Tan Xiaozheng’s Personal Introduction
Born in Chengdu in 1983.
After graduating from the Central Academy of Fine Arts with a major in animation in 2004, I have been deeply involved in the animation industry for two decades. I founded the animation media brand “Dongkoh” and worked as a freelancer during my personal webmaster era, documenting and participating in the complete development cycle of China’s animation industry.
In 2011, Brand Management Co., Ltd. was established, marking the beginning of the era of one-man company;
In 2016, I experienced depression, and since then, things have just started to pick up after the reconstruction in Chengdu. In 2020, the pandemic hit. In 2023, Backwall was re-launched – a subjective reporting media that does not chase traffic or accept payment, focusing on the authentic record of Chengdu’s art ecology.
The company will be officially deregistered in 2025;
In 2026, I will practice as an independent brand super individual, operating DONGKE, Backwall, and multiple cross-border projects simultaneously.
He believes that understanding people is more important than understanding works. The detours taken over the past 22 years hold something truly valuable.
Activity vision
Foster genuine exchanges among solo entrepreneurs, gather local creative talents, and enable those who work independently to connect with each other.
This is not an incubator, nor a coalition; it’s just a group of individuals who refuse to be absorbed by the larger system, occasionally gathering to speak their truth.
Activity information
Limited to 20 people, tickets are priced at 50 yuan, including a glass of craft beer
May 10th, 3pm, Planet Craft Brewery, Yulin West Road, Chengdu