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

Alright, Yaoting thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When I was young, I loved drawing characters from Japanese anime and Disney movies. That was the starting point of my artistic journey. I majored in industrial design in my undergraduate studies, and I have worked in various roles such as a graphic designer, game designer, and storyboard artist. These different experiences helped me clarify my preferences: I enjoy storytelling, fluid visuals, and the interaction of different art materials.

In addition to China and the United States, I have also lived in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Japan, immersing myself in the lives of the local people. Living in different cultural environments has allowed me to detach from preconceived notions and observe genuine inspiration and emotions. It has also enabled me to break free from boundaries and explore new possibilities. This is part of the inspiration behind my current artistic style.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an illustrator, character designer, and comic artist. I specialize in creating character illustrations and have been involved in the production of animated feature films. I enjoy experimenting with and excelling in different art materials such as watercolor, oil painting, colored pencils, and pastels. I have a knack for capturing subtle emotions and love exploring different themes and new styles. In the field of illustration, I have received several international awards, including:

– 2023 3X3 International Illustration Show NO.20 Professional
– 2023 World Illustration Award (AOI) New Talent Exploration – Shortlist
– 2023 World Illustration Award (AOI) Professional Editorial – Longlist
– 2023 AI-AP (American Illustration) Chosen Winner
– 2022 Society Illustrators 65 (SOI) Illustrators 65 Annual – Jury Selection
– 2021 3X3 International Illustration Show NO.18 – Merit winner

These achievements validate my dedication and passion for the art of illustration.
My latest project this year, “East Wind” (“东风”), is a combination of different materials and animation forms based on comics. It includes two long scrolls, watercolor hand-drawn animation, a watercolor cover, and an 80-page comic. It tells the intertwined stories of seven characters in different times and places, leading to a moment of redemption. Feel free to visit my personal website for more information.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Certainly, for many beginners, the visual aspect often serves as the primary reference point, whether in terms of recognizability or aesthetic appeal. In other words, rationality often predominates their judgment, considering factors like commercial value, potential for appreciation, time investment, or technical prowess.

However, as an artist, I believe the most crucial element is the emotional impact of a piece. True art should have the power to resonate emotionally with viewers, and this is something that is challenging to measure by commercial standards. These works carry profound emotions, thoughts, and meanings, and they evolve to become even richer as viewers grow. Conversely, those pieces that lose their appeal as one matures may merely be superficial consumer products.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the power of expression. Art provides me with the opportunity to articulate feelings that are uniquely mine, using my own voice. It’s like having a piano with ten million keys, allowing me to express any emotion and containing limitless, exhilarating possibilities. Its boundless, infinite space is truly captivating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yaotingwang.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/bulkfirework?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaotingwang