Check Out Audrea Wah’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrea Wah.

Hi Audrea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a person driven by passion. Before I was an artist and creative technologist, I was certain that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, specifically reproductive health. But when I entered college, I found it difficult to find a community in that space. I found myself retreating to my dorm to make digital posters inspired by the music I was listening to and I was constantly drawing concepts in my sketchbook. Unknowingly, I slipped into major depression. A close friend sat me down and said that they saw a different path for me, and I listened.

I moved back home, transferred to community college, and found a family in the arts scene of Baltimore. I received a scholarship from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) where I graduated with a BFA. My varied academic background and the interdisciplinary approach to education at SAIC sprouted an experimental personal practice. I studied Art & Technology, Visual Communications, Fashion, Footwear, Asian-American Art History, whatever sounded interesting to me at the moment. Honestly, I didn’t think my liberal arts degree would get me anywhere.

After a web design internship at Wix Playground Academy, I landed a job at Universal Music Group, where I am now a Senior Creative Technologist. The value of knowing a little bit about a broad range of subjects turned out to be a perfect fit. Every day I get to work with vastly different artists creative projects that focus on digital experiences and innovative concepts.

My curiosity keeps me persistent. I think curiosity is latent in everyone, but sometimes it needs a little awakening. Luckily, I have people around me who share a zest for life. Beyond making beautiful things, I love creative minds. The passion for challenging established ideas, remixing old forms, and layering conversation is an energy that I gravitate towards absolutely.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone’s process of self-discovery being smooth. I’ve grappled with conflating output to self-worth, balancing professional and personal work, and keeping the big picture in mind when dealing with tedious tasks. I constantly overthink whether or not my ideas are good enough or even worth sharing.

I think all people, but especially artists, struggle with getting out of their own way. Growth comes from discomfort. That’s something that I still struggle with. I try to check in by asking myself “Am I making this decision out of growth or out of fear?”.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I work in the music industry as a creative technologist using emerging tech (AR, VR, AI) to create experiences for artists. In 2022, co-founder Ilai Gilbert and I also established Artific3, a company that builds augmented reality immersive experiences. We are currently working on an AR selfie station and AR game table for Explora, a children’s museum in Albuquerque. The AR selfie station is part of an exhibit that helps teens envision themselves in different STEM career paths by digitally placing them in an occupational environment. The AR game is a projection-mapped table that teaches kids about SMART electrical grids and renewable energy. Through real-time interactions and adorable game design, we’re able to let kids build their own cities and help the denizens of the game board overcome climate obstacles. I enjoy the balance of being a small part of a large recording label and a large part of a small business. I’ve found growth in wearing many hats.

I’m known for outlandish ideas. I love concepts that are novel, inspiring, and maybe a bit strange. It’s important to push boundaries on what is possible. I think that’s what’s so exciting about new tech in the augmented reality and artificial intelligence front- there are no rules and there is so much space to create. I’m an expansive thinker- how can we make this more fun? How can we make people laugh? How can we evoke a sense of awe?

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Right now, we live in the era of spectacle. All visual, no concept. As a concept in itself, I adore that, but there’s no longevity in an empty vessel. I see the scale tipping now, I see the yearning for depth in the people of my generation. There’s a sense of fatigue after about 15 seconds. I think we’re entering an era of discovery, for people to heal their digital burnout with stories and experiences where they have to dig a bit to uncover more. The next wave is a slow burn.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://audreawah.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averageincome/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreawah