September update. I originally wrote this list on June 13, 2026. Three months later, some ideas have failed, some circumstances have changed, and a few paths are finally becoming concrete.
This is less a polished roadmap than an honest progress report: what worked, what did not, and what I can still do next.
1. Making money with AI: the first attempts failed, but comics look promising
The first set of ideas did not work out. Reaching out to people who had already built successful AI projects, trying AI-assisted freelance work, and using short-form content as a funnel all failed to produce a viable path.
The useful discovery was AI comics. The space does not feel saturated yet, and the work I have made has already earned recognition from a small audience. I also believe its overall quality is better than most AI comics currently on the market—and even some traditionally drawn ones.
That is not a business result yet, but it is the first signal strong enough to keep pursuing. The next challenge is turning that early recognition into consistent publishing, a larger audience, and eventually revenue.
2. Visiting classmates in the US: no longer a plan
Most of the classmates I wanted to visit have returned to China, so the original reason for the trip has mostly disappeared. This one did not happen, and I am closing it rather than pretending it is still pending.
3. PhD applications: one recommendation letter short
The immediate task is securing recommendation letters. I still need one more. My first choice is a professor whose class I previously took; if that does not work out, I will ask my former advisor as a backup.
For now, that final letter is the main bottleneck in the application process.
4. Job hunting: NVIDIA and TikTok referrals
I currently have referrals to NVIDIA and TikTok, which are my strongest leads. I will give both opportunities a serious shot. If neither turns into an offer, I do not have another clear route at the moment.
5. Site housekeeping
Add a friends page / links— done- Turn on albums and upload a few pieces I am actually proud of — still pending
Originally written: 2026-06-13 · Updated: 2026-09-09
If this article helped you, please share it with others!
Some information may be outdated