We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fée Brandt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fée below.

Fée, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected challenges in my creative journey was finding my place in the industry, especially as someone who prides themselves on being multidisciplinary.

My exploration began early, from recording melodies on a flip phone to crafting new worlds on paper every Sunday with my family. Even during my time at a restrictive middle school, where creative subjects were often replaced with additional math classes, I still found ways to keep my creativity alive, secretly initiating a collaborative novel-writing project with friends—a story set on a no-man’s planet where we built our new home.Unlimited possibilities for exploration was introduced when I transferred to an international school, from painting live in musicals to making student films. My ability to explore different mediums and stories flourished, leading me to pursue a degree in Integrated Design at Parsons School of Design. There, I redefined myself as a “multi-disciplinary storyteller,” sneaking into classes beyond my major to learn every facet of storytelling, from improvisation to children’s books.

However, I found myself after graduation struggling to secure a job that appreciated my diverse skill set; the industry seemingly favored specialists over polymaths. I learned the hard way that “if you are good at everything, you are not good at anything” is a pervasive industry mantra. Yet, my breakthrough came when I embraced my shapeshifting ability to adapt, initially presenting myself in more singular roles. Starting as a humble intern responsible for returning items, I gradually revealed my other talents, leading to significant roles such as storyboard artist and an integral part of executive brainstorming sessions for clients such as Cartoon Network and Food Network. This strategy of starting with a singular role and slowly revealing my multidisciplinary expertise allowed me to thrive.

For all the multidisciplinary artists out there, the world may not seem ready for us yet, but by proudly embracing our shapeshifter nature and strategically revealing our capabilities, we create our own space and eventually garner the appreciation we deserve. Additionally, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, being multidisciplinary will become one of the crucial guidelines for surviving and thriving as a creative in the future. So, never stop taking pride in being multidisciplinary. Our time is coming.

Fée, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello! I’m Fée Brandt, a New York-based visual storyteller thriving in disciplines such as graphic design, character design, illustration, storyboarding, animation, and creative direction.

My story is a colorful blend of cultures and artistic experiences. From being a German citizen in France to a Chinese upbringing, I draw inspiration from diverse contexts.

My work spans various mediums, including digital art created with Adobe Suite, Procreate, and Unity, as well as traditional methods like pencil and watercolor. Besides my professionally sharpened skills, I am enhancing my creative writing through a Columbia University post-baccalaureate, studying singing at Juilliard Extension, and pursuing children’s picture book writing and illustrating through SVA’s continuing education programs

What sets me apart in the industry is my dedication to weaving compelling narratives and visual art in one. Whether it’s bringing a character to life for an animated short film or designing engaging graphics for digital platforms, my goal is to tell stories that resonate. I’m particularly proud of my approach to character design, where I infuse personality and depth into the figures I create, making them memorable and impactful.

As I continue to evolve and expand my portfolio, I am actively seeking opportunities to collaborate on projects that challenge the conventional boundaries of art and storytelling. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. Whether you’re looking for a captivating visual story or a fresh artistic perspective, I’m here to bring your vision to life!

I’m currently developing two potential traditional published picture books, a middle-grade graphic novel, and a musical video game in collaboration with Berklee students. I am eager to explore new creative landscapes. Stay tuned for more dynamic projects and transformative collaborations!

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

When asked about resources I wish I had known about earlier in my creative journey, I think about the importance of sharing my work more openly with peers, friends, and family.

While in school, I benefited immensely from critique classes, which were common and incredibly valuable for gaining different perspectives on my work. Equally beneficial was giving critiques, which allowed me to step outside my own world for a moment and immerse myself in someone else’s, bringing unique perspectives back to my colleagues. However, after leaving school, I found myself increasingly isolated in my own creative bubble. There’s a saying in China called “Frog in the Well” — the frog lives in a well and sees only a small circle of sky, believing that to be the extent of the world. I was that frog, confined to my narrow view of my own work.

Realizing this, I began to actively share my drafts with my family and set up monthly critique sessions with a group of amazing friends. While building my presence on social media, I share my process and actively seek opinions on my art in comments and stories. I’m also planning to reunite with university friends for art nights to continue our critique and brainstorming sessions in person.

Moreover, It’s also crucial to balance the feedback you receive; while it’s important to listen to others, you must not lose your own vision in your work. The best approach is a cycle: start with your own insights, seek external opinions, and then reflect on these perspectives to refine your work further.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

If you had asked me just five years ago, my answer would undoubtedly have been approval or recognition. I might have said, “Oh, I worked for this famous client,” or “This piece of art earned so many likes on social media.” While approval and recognition are crucial to how art is viewed and spread, today, I would say that the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having a pathway to my inner world. It’s about creating a body of work that serves as a documentation, reflecting how my inner world grows wider, brighter, and more fruitful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.feebrandt.com/
• Instagram: @feeb_story
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fee-brandt
• Twitter: @brandt_fee
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@feeb_story/videos
• Other: If you would like to dive deeper into the artistic life of multi-disciplinary storyteller Fée Brandt! Documentary “Fée”
  directed, produced, and edited by Logan Berg (nominated for best documentary at BMCC Film Fest) can be found at https://youtu.be/PTAwkLo7y8g