Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Wang.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I began drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil! My mother and father were supportive of my artist endeavors, and would sign me up for sporadic weekend art classes. In high school, I became more serious about improving my skill level. During this time, one of my friends gifted me a Wacom Bamboo drawing tablet. With that, I began to dive into digital art. I started in Microsoft Paint, and later taught myself GIMP, Paint Tool SAI, and Photoshop. The online digital art community was instrumental to my growth as an artist – I devoured the countless tutorials and references that were readily available. Later, I was accepted into Ryman Arts, an art-training program for high school students. This program and the online tutorials helped me grow very fast artistically. During my senior year, I won the 26th congressional district art competition and flew into D.C. to see my art displayed in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.
In college, I participated in several on-campus shows and looked at more commercial opportunities of monetizing my art. I began tabling at comic conventions across California and selling prints, bookmarks, acrylic charms, and enamel pins. This allowed me to meet other like-minded artists and build a small fan base. Nowadays, I am still tabling and also dabbling in freelance. I am currently working on some game and comic projects for clients while building my portfolio. I am interested in eventually becoming a background painter or visual development artist in the animation industry.
Please tell us about your art.
Story is king. My favorite pieces of artwork always display a story in the making or a moment in time. I like to emulate that in my own illustrations and paintings. This is also why I want to enter the animation industry – they are in the business of telling stories, after all! I want to use my artwork, whether via design or illustration, to tell stories that can connect emotionally with other people.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I think of success as happiness – rather than being happy if I am successful, I believe that I am successful if I am happy. I believe the characteristic that contributes greatly to this is consistency. If I am consistent in producing work and studying in a mindful manner, I will eventually make work that I am happy with.
Being consistent about drawing is akin to rolling a die – you will always gain something when you roll the die. However, if you do not even roll the die, there is no chance of gaining anything.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have an instagram (lilywangart@instagram) and a website (lilywangart.tumblr.com). Feel free to contact me on either platform, or email me at lily.jessica.wang@gmail.com!
Contact Info:
- Website: lilywangart.tumblr.com
- Email: lily.jessica.wang@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilywangart
Image Credit:
All (c) Lily Wang
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