We had the good fortune of connecting with Fei-Chen Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Fei-Chen, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve enjoyed drawing since I was a kid, which is a common sentiment among artists. Even as a youngster, my mom could keep me quiet for hours by giving me paper and markers. She was an interior designer, and I used to accompany her to different places. Her influence played a significant role in shaping my interest in art. When I was around 6-8 years old, I started thinking about colors and art, although not in a very serious way. I had different standards back then, such as my preference for bright Barbie pink.
In high school, I faced the challenge of making decisions about my future career path. I struggled with the choice between pursuing something I love and a career with better earning potential. However, I always found myself happiest when I was expressing my thoughts through art. After some exploration, I decided to attend the School of Visual Arts in New York, a city known for its creativity. While at SVA, I was drawn to the motion graphics thesis work on display in the lobby, and I was captivated by the combination of design and animation. This experience inspired me to pursue a career as a motion graphic designer after completing my education.
Last year, AI art was a significant topic that influenced many artists. It made me contemplate the significance of creating art as a human. I believe that the act of drawing is a form of communication between the artist and the art itself, and this connection is irreplaceable. This belief is one of the motivations for me to continue my creative career. At this juncture, the creative process holds more meaning for me than the outcome itself.
I always remember a phrase that my instructor at the School of Visual Arts used to say: “When you look out the window, the world is created by designers” (architecture, posters, environmental designs, etc.). Artists have always made valuable contributions to society. I believe there is always joy and fulfillment in a career that can help make society a better place for everyone.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Becoming a motion graphics artist is no easy task. It’s a career that requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, and an understanding of client needs. It’s crucial to comprehend what the clients want to convey, their preferences, and the purpose of the project. Artists then apply their creativity to find a solution that satisfies both the client and themselves. Working on experimental projects that allow for more possibilities is always enjoyable.
One important lesson I’ve learned is how to handle rejection. It’s essential to understand that a “no” isn’t personal but rather a mismatch for the product or audience. Instead of dwelling on it, it’s best to move forward and explore alternative solutions.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I would take anyone visiting the city to the Met. In addition to the incredible art, they have a lot of excellent art-inspired goods. I particularly enjoy their kitchenware section. I would also bring them to Brooklyn, where there are several shops with excellent selections. For those interested in design, they should visit Printed Matter in Chelsea; they have a wide variety of fantastic design and illustration prints.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to express my gratitude to my family and friends for their support as I pursue my passion for art. Their understanding and encouragement have allowed me to create in a stress-free environment.
I also want to extend my thanks to my supervisors and mentors at work. Their guidance has deepened my understanding of the industry and provided me with opportunities to showcase my work.
Website: https://www.feichenwang.design/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fei-chen-wang/