Meet Mingway Lee | Director & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mingway Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mingway, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my brand’s success is the spirit of freedom. This means stepping beyond what is familiar, embracing diverse cultures, and allowing creativity to flow without limits. While traveling in Mexico, I visited a Mayan culture museum and encountered the work of an artist deeply inspired by ancient Mayan traditions. This experience sparked an idea: to create a short animated film about a young Mayan girl who falls into a mysterious world within a painting. Though I grew up in China and knew little about the Mayan culture, that curiosity drove me to learn more. I reached out to the Mexican artist, and to this day, we stay in touch. When I shared my film with her, she was delighted to see her culture inspiring new stories and even shared her latest artworks with me.

Similarly, during an exchange at NYU Abu Dhabi, I collaborated with two Kazakh girls to create a fictional film exploring domestic violence, an issue of great importance in their country. The essence of my brand lies in this freedom to explore, embrace, and intertwine different cultures, letting imagination run wild and transforming impossible ideas into reality.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist, I have always been deeply drawn to the folklores and myths from different cultures around the world. This fascination fuels my creative process, serving as the foundation for much of my work. What excites me most is the opportunity to explore these stories and use them to craft unique, imaginative experiences that transport people into extraordinary, fantastical worlds.

What sets me apart is my relentless curiosity and openness to embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds. It hasn’t been an easy path to get to where I am today. Growing up in an education system that did not encourage creativity meant I had to carve my own way. When I first entered university, I felt uncertain about my future; I knew I was interested in art and the humanities, but it took time to realize that simply studying others’ work wasn’t enough—I needed to create. With no existing major that aligned with my aspirations, I designed my own path, building a route that matched my passion and vision.

I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to travel to various countries and meet people who have inspired and propelled me closer to my goals. Along the way, I’ve learned that perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to step into the unknown are essential. What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I am committed to blending cultures, stories, and imagination to create art that transcends the ordinary and inspires wonder.

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.
If I were to plan a week-long trip, it would be filled with unique and soul-enriching experiences. I love visiting unconventional places that carry a sense of spirituality, as well as spending time in nature. I’d take my guests to Joshua Tree for its raw, mystical beauty and arrange a full-moon camping night complete with a bonfire. We’d explore hidden spots like an abandoned zoo for a touch of the unexpected, and finish with a meal at a charming ramen place that adds comfort and warmth to the adventure.

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’d like to give a shoutout to my mother, who has been a huge inspiration in my life. Her love for travel has taken me around the world, broadening my horizons and teaching me to embrace new experiences and cultures. Beyond travel, she introduced me to captivating books about vampires, dark elves, and alien mysteries, sparking my passion for storytelling that weaves together fiction and fantasy. Her influence has played a major role in shaping my creative journey and fueling my imagination.

Website: https://creativebleed.com/home

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16367652/