Conversations with Fengwan Qing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fengwan Qing.

Hi Fengwan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I was born and raised in Henan, Luoyang, China, a beautiful ancient city with thousands of years of history. Moving out of my city or country was never in my plans until my parents encouraged me to do so. This turning point in my life was unexpected, and I wasn’t sure what to anticipate at the time. 

Art has always been my passion; my dad, an oil painter, inspired me to paint and draw since I was four years old. During middle school, I quickly got into cosplay makeup, finding it really fun to recreate characters from my favorite anime and games. Despite financial constraints, I spent hours teaching myself various makeup techniques, learning from videos, books, and other cosplayers. Discovering the TV show “Face Off” really opened up my perspective of what doing makeup could be. I realized the creative potential of special effects makeup and its legitimacy as a career. 

Upon moving to the United States, I enrolled at Santa Monica College for Film Studies. However, I soon realized that directing or producing wasn’t my calling. I transitioned into Fine Arts, learning the importance of painting, understanding color theory and sculpting, as well as anatomy of the human figure. It was during this time I realized that doing makeup professionally is what I wanted to focus on. 

At the onset of my makeup career, breaking into the industry seemed daunting, with no connections or knowledge of how to navigate it. Research led me to explore various film schools, where I discovered a demand for makeup artists needed on student film sets. Working on these projects became my path forward for practice and networking, all while being a full-time student. The weekends offered no rest as I set out to hone my craft. 

Today, I engage in a diverse range of projects—from feature films to indie films, shorts, commercials, and music videos—thanks to the connections forged during my school years and through participation in student films. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my opinion, life is never a smooth road. 

One of my biggest challenges is asking for help. 

I understand it may sound ridiculous, but I believe it’s tied to my personality. I’ve always been very independent. When I came to the United States in 2014 at 19 years old, I had no relatives or friends here, didn’t speak English, and didn’t know where to turn for help. However, I trusted myself, remained confident, and knew my goals and dreams. Despite these obstacles, I persevered and now work in my dream field. Sometimes, though, I have to remember it’s ok to take a step back and ask for help. Thankfully, I have made many connections that I can reach out to. 

I’ve faced many struggles in my life and have overcome them, but I still find it difficult to ask for help from others due to concerns about self-reliance, burdening others, and past negative experiences. 

I am constantly trying to step out of my comfort zone and seek assistance from others, which, in the end, will only help me grow. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a makeup artist specializing in special effects, special makeup effects, celebrity makeup, and bridal makeup. 

One of my most notable projects is the anti-Asian racism campaign, “<All Love>,” featured in New York Times Square. This is a project I am immensely proud of as it promotes awareness that beauty cannot be judged and that every race possesses a unique beauty. 

Recently, I designed and applied two distinct looks in a collaboration with 88 Rising and their musician, Akini Jing, for her latest album “Villan”: “Black Widow” and “Call Me Shadow.” 

In addition to my work in the industry, I also have a passion for teaching makeup. I taught as the youngest Chinese American instructor at Cinema Makeup School, teaching Film and TV Character classes. Teaching is a source of joy for me, and sharing my techniques and experiences with my students and peers is incredibly fulfilling. 

Currently, I operate my own studio in the art district of DTLA, where I provide one-on-one instruction in special effects makeup art and beauty makeup. 

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe every job carries its own set of risks, but in filmmaking, there are numerous potential challenges. 

For instance, applying special effects makeup products to talent’s face entails significant risk. Being knowledgeable is paramount in this field, and it’s essential to be well-versed in the products you use and to communicate with your clients or actors before application. A product can causes a sudden negative reaction, hindering their performance during the shoot and causing cause lengthy delays. The consequences can be severe and costly. 

While I am not inclined to take big risks, I dedicate plenty of time to studying my products and sharpening my skills. By doing so, I aim to be thoroughly prepared for any job and quick to react when issues arise. As a makeup artist working on projects, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to care for my actors/talents, ensuring they look their best and feel confident in their performance. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fengwanart/

Image Credits
Edge Tian
Luo Bing
Mao Chenhui
Dani Wang
Sydney Benjamin
Kacey
Akini Jing
Chaewon Suh
Lydia Kelly
Ray Zhang
Zine Tseng
Chaewon Suh
Lydia Kelly
Seth Wright