Meet Tammy Wang | Character Designer and Freelance Illustrator

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

Hi Tammy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always liked drawing but I didn’t think much of it as a career when I was a kid. I simply liked copying cartoon designs on television, it made me happy, and it was an easy way to occupy my time. Fast forward to 2010, when Disney’s Tangled was released in theaters. The lantern scene was so incredibly beautiful and when the ending credits rolled, it was the first time I thought of pursuing a creative career.

I wanted to tell stories in fun ways, to keep drawing, and to inspire others the way animated media has done for me growing up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist, I’m excited about telling stories about the mundane with introspective characters. I think each artist brings their own unique emotions and memories into their work and that makes every project special. I’m proud of what how far I came since the beginning of my art journey because it certainly wasn’t easy pursuing art as a career.

I was in a difficult family situation before going to college and in many ways, moving out to California for school was an escape. To push through the financial and mental blocks, I had to ask myself what it is at this current moment I could do to improve my craft and get it to where I need it to be. I learned that I had to stop comparing myself to others. The only person I should compare myself to was past me. I took whatever side jobs I could and pushed on to become a better version of myself by continuing to learn new skills.

I understand the trials and tribulations that come with pursuing a career in animation. Not attaching your entire to your job was eye-opening to me, and led to a much healthier lifestyle. Make meaningful connections in the industry, not only to climb ladders.

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.
In New York, there’s always the cutest places to eat at! Jack’s Wife Freda is the perfect brunch place. It’s also right near the Whitney Museum as well as Washington Square Park. Afterwards we can go window shopping while walking through Soho. Then afternoon coffee at Dominique Ansel Bakery! We’d probably be too late to get their famous cronuts but their other desserts/pastries are really good too! They also have a specialty hot chocolate that I’d love to try.

On another day, we could visit the Alamo Drafthouse, a movie theater that serves meals and drinks right to your seat, They have a variety of films from mainstream to foreign drama and sometimes have specialized menus for their films. Chinatown is not too far away with dessert places like Alimama Tea (serves mochi donuts and cream puffs) and good food like Hay Hay Roasted.

Other hotspots I definitely would take them to would be Ktown (great bbq and desserts, also karaoke!), Flushing, the High Line, Hudson River, and MoMa PS1.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Rise Up Animation has honestly been truly helpful in leading me in the right direction. I have gotten two of their portfolio reviews from incredible mentors and it gave me motivation to continue to improve my portfolio. AnimAsians and Women in Animation were resourceful organizations with great connections and I got to meet so many wonderful people! So many great mentors willing to reach out a helping hand to those who need it, many who don’t get compensated for their time. I don’t think words can express how grateful I am for these organizations.

Website: https://tammywang.com

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Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/tammywang95

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