Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Wong
Hi Ashley , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am currently a motion and web designer and video editor based in the PNW. I started out in advertising as a junior designer/art director in NYC. My journey has been pretty straightforward but I would say, still included fairly wandering interests. I like to learn new skills and explore new ideas as much as possible. When the pandemic hit I had an opportunity to work on more motion and video work and really had a knack and love for it. I have also followed a childhood dream of getting into animation and completed an animated short this year that is currently doing its festival run.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think like most career paths it has been both smooth and bumpy. The bumps along the way have helped to guide me onto the right path. Then once on the right path, it feels so much smoother even with setbacks, obstacles, and hardships. I have had my fair share of struggles with different people that did not believe in me or support my growth. But once I shifted my destination the journey got so much smoother, people were ready to help and guide me, they believed in me and supported me, and that reassured me that I had chosen the right way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work mostly in motion graphics and web work along with short form video editing as my day job. As a series of passion projects I do frame-by-frame animation and am really proud of it slowly becoming part of my day to day work as well. I share out personal projects for fun and as a result have had more requests to incorporate those skills into projects with existing clients or new clients. I am most proud of the animated short I finished this year and have been submitting to film festivals. It was something I never thought I would accomplish.
I am told that I do have a very distinctive style even though I have always had a difficult time seeing it myself. My illustration style is simple and cute without being cutesy. My work style is one that I try to lead with compassion and kindness. I do think it’s something that has set me apart and allowed me to foster relationships that continue to help me in my career.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My number one resource has been therapy, which I know is not accessible for everyone. It has taught me to set boundaries and really separate emotions and frustrations from the actual work.
The books, podcasts and media in general that I consume tend to be very far removed from what I do professionally. It helps me to step away and enjoy something so different from what I do day to day. My current guilty pleasure has been working through Agatha Christies extensive works.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://awongisright.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awongisright/
Image Credits
Gina McDonald