Meet Qing Lan | Story Artist & BG Painter

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

Hi Qing, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Reflecting on my path so far, I wouldn’t exactly frame it within the traditional narrative of ‘success.’ Instead, I see myself very much in a phase of continuous learning and growth. It’s been a journey of embracing and valuing my unique traits, even those often viewed negatively. This mindset has been crucial to me, both in my studies and career. One key realization? The importance of respecting my own attributes, like being emotionally sensitive and prone to daydreaming. Initially, I viewed these as obstacles. But over time, I’ve learned to see these ‘flaws’ as my greatest strengths. For instance, my sensitivity has allowed me to connect with characters on a deeper level, bringing a richness to my work as a storyboard artist that’s been recognized both by colleagues and audiences.
Embracing my quirks has not only helped me carve out a niche in the entertainment industry but also to find a unique voice that resonates with people. It’s a reminder that staying true to oneself, while navigating the demands of the market, is not just possible but essential.
Another aspect of my journey has been learning the delicate art of balancing this authenticity with the practical demands of the industry. It might seem contradicting to my earlier point about embracing personal traits, but recognizing the significance of market needs and industry trends has been equally enlightening to me. Before you can move mountains, it’s important to build a bridge between your passions and what the market values. This doesn’t mean losing your unique voice but rather enriching your work with diversity and demonstrating your capability to adapt and thrive. It’s about adding diversity to your portfolio without forgetting your personal inclinations, allowing for a bit of rebellion in your creativity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Delving into what keeps me busy professionally, the subtlety and emotional depth in stories are what I cherish most. My time at ArtCenter College of Design, diving into the vast world of animation, is where I discovered my passion for storytelling. Among the various paths I explored, storytelling through storyboards felt like coming home—a powerful medium to convey emotions and narratives visually. The path to where I am now was filled with learning curves. The animation field is incredibly competitive, and carving out a niche for myself involved plenty of trial and error. Each challenge was a lesson in perseverance and the importance of staying true to what I believe in.
What excites me the most about my work is the opportunity to connect with others on an emotional level through my projects. I’m constantly learning and striving to enhance the authenticity and emotional resonance of my storytelling. I hope my stories not only entertain but also touch hearts and provoke thought. My aim is to contribute meaningful narratives to the world of animation, reminding us of the nuanced experiences that make us human.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I know it might sound a bit cheesy but, I really love Griffith Observatory! And broadly speaking, I’m all about those hills on the north side where you can hike up, look down at the starry light of LA. I’m not exactly a hiking fan, but chilling on a hill with a cool breeze and letting your mind wander while soaking in the views is pretty awesome. If I had a week with my friends visiting, I’d probably spend the first four days hitting up some famous sights (cliché, I know), but it’s kinda mandatory right? For the rest of the time, we’d just drive around with no particular destination, maybe head to any hill to catch a breeze or hit a random beach to dip our toes in the water.
When it comes to food, I’m not too picky, but I’d definitely make sure we try a bunch of different boba places! LA’s got a ton of them, and each has its own special take on boba that you just gotta try.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
ArtCenter has been a important part of my journey, shaping me both as a creator and a person. It’s not perfect, but it’s been a place of immense growth and inspiration. Big thanks to the friends and mentors I’ve met there, and of course, to my parents for their unwavering love and encouragement. They’ve all played crucial roles in my story, and I’m deeply grateful.

Website: https://qinglanart.weebly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qinglanart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qinglanart/