Disliking the colors and painting styles of the China Academy of Art, Ke was introduced to the art and design management major at the Central Academy of Art. Because it is a more theoretical program that requires higher academic performance and relatively lower technical skills, Ke felt she had a greater likelihood of being accepted.

Although the grueling training only existed for the sake of exams and inhibited many people's real interests, Ke said the sessions were still helpful because they pooled some of the best painting resources, which were unavailable in her home county in Fujian province.

Her life has improved since she entered the academy, she said. Now, in addition to theoretical courses, Ke has a practice month every term, during which she manages to draw much more.

"Many friends said they hated drawing when they were training but liked it so much after going to universities," she said.

"My exhaustion was mainly caused by the duration of the training. I still love fine art most of the time. Although I have been through some ups and downs, when I look back I find that fine art is still the thing I love most. I just have this natural special feeling for it."