Meet Maryland-based animator and illustrator, Qieer Wang

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Qieer Wang. I approached my Master’s in the USA, and I am now working as a freelance director, animator, illustrator and producer.

Describe the city you’re living in and what it’s like to live there.

Since I COVID-moved out of NYC to a tranquil neighborhood here in Maryland, my lifestyle changed a lot. I had to cut trips to galleries/museums completely. And I switched my night owl dance mode to a hike in the woods style, which isn’t too bad. However, maintaining friendships through screen is still odd to me.

What is the best and worst thing about living in your city?

The worst thing is that I disconnected from the creative scene in NYC, where I lived and loved for 4 years, and had to say goodbye to my nightlife in this beautiful city as well. It took me a while to cope with. The best thing about moving though, is that I’m finding a new balance, and even a new opportunity in my career. What’s better than cheap rent, is that I’m living with a chief who’s cooking my meals!

Give us 3 words that describe what it’s like to be a creative in your city.

Focused, ambitious, positive.

How did you start your career in art and animation?

I fell in love with animating during my grad school. It was odd timing, but I started anyway. I practiced it during my thesis, which became the most important base that allowed me to pursue this direction from.

I fell in love with animating during my grad school. It was odd timing, but I started anyway. I practiced it during my thesis, which became the most important base that allowed me to pursue this direction from.

Were the people around you supportive of your decision on working as a creative?

My mom wasn’t a big fan of me studying abroad or freelancing at the beginning, but she’s now convinced that it was the right decision, and became one of my big supporters, which means a lot to me.

What are some goals and ambitions you have for your future work?

On a personal level, I want to write more scripts on immigration stories and produce them in animation & film formats. And I wish that I can keep exploring abstract arts, and create more drawings and paintings. As to career-wise, I’m always craving to connect more like-minded creatives to work together.

On a personal level, I want to write more scripts on immigration stories and produce them in animation & film formats. And I wish that I can keep exploring abstract arts, and create more drawings and paintings. As to career-wise, I’m always craving to connect more like-minded creatives to work together.

If you could collaborate with any person in the world who would it be?

No specific name yet, but I’m interested in collaborating with people who can code like an artist.

What are the biggest challenges you face in working as a creative?

It’s often the life-work balance to me whenever this question. I’m often reminded by people around me that I need to take a break. As I’m aware of, a daily schedule has been a crucial factor to secure a good energetic day. And luckily, my partner has become the best human alarm.

How would you describe the women around you?

They’re mostly strong characters. From early on, I was surrounded by two superwomen, my mom and my grandma: a stubborn feminist, and an open-minded opinionated lady. They created this safe space that allowed me to express whatever on my mind growing up.

They’re mostly strong characters. From early on, I was surrounded by two superwomen, my mom and my grandma: a stubborn feminist, and an open-minded opinionated lady. They created this safe space that allowed me to express whatever on my mind growing up.

Were there any local female creatives that you looked up to when you were growing up?

They’re not necessarily creative but I looked up to people who’re with natural inspiring spirits. I’ve luckily met quite a lot of them growing up. At different stages of my life, there was always one teacher at school who’s inspirational in energy, and had helped me overcome obstacles along the way. And most of them are women.

To live life, and make decisions from deep of your guts. And stay true and honest with yourself, especially whenever you’re questioning yourself. If you find your passion, then, good for you, be persistent and keep it joyful.

Do you have any advice for other women who are aspiring to work in your field?

To live life, and make decisions from deep of your guts. And stay true and honest with yourself, especially whenever you’re questioning yourself. If you find your passion, then, good for you, be persistent and keep it joyful.

What type of music do you like to listen to?

Minimal Techno, Electro-pop, Dark wave…

What’s your favorite local food spot?

Hot Pot Hero, Gah Rham, Japanese BBQ…

Donglu Yu asks: Where do you get your inspiration?

Daydreams

Sofie Lee asks: Do you think AI would replace us in the future?

Yes and no. I’d prefer to be able to collaborate with AI.

What question would you like us to ask the next artist?

What was the most crazy daydream you had?

Photos and videos courtesy of Qieer Wang