Conversations with Qianjiao Ma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Qianjiao Ma

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Qianjiao, but everyone just calls me Q. I am an artist working in the entertainment industry in LA, but my creative journey goes beyond my day job. My passion for storytelling and illustration led me to create Catzilla, an art brand that blends my love for cats, adventure, and larger-than-life imagination.

It all started with a simple, fun idea: what if my cat could transform into a gigantic creature and go on adventures with me? That concept grew into a series of illustrations that resonated with fellow cat lovers worldwide. Over time, I turned Catzilla into a side business, selling my artwork online at local markets and conventions all over the country.

Now, I balance working in the entertainment industry with building my brand, traveling to conventions, and even exploring YouTube as a way to share my art journey. I’m always looking for ways to connect with people through creativity.

At the heart of it all, I want to inspire others to embrace their artistic dreams and take bold steps toward making them a reality.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Selling art has been a challenging journey. I started at a period when there wasn’t much work in the animation industry, and I needed a creative outlet. At first, I wasn’t sure how to navigate the business side—marketing, pricing, and understanding what the audience wanted. Figuring out how to present my work in a way that resonated with people took time. The fear of rejection and putting myself out there was always a struggle, especially in the beginning. It took a lot of courage to approach conventions and events, and there were moments when I questioned if I was making the right choices.

Building my brand and growing an audience also meant having to balance my passion for creating with the realities of running a business. There were times I felt overwhelmed by the logistics, especially when it came to managing online sales, dealing with customer inquiries, and figuring out shipping and inventory. It’s a lot more than just making art, but each obstacle taught me valuable lessons about resilience, patience, and adaptability.

Despite these challenges, or maybe because of them, the successes have felt all the more rewarding. I’ve learned that setbacks aren’t failures; they’re part of the process, and they’ve helped me grow as both an artist, a business owner, and a person.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Outside of my day job as a concept artist in the entertainment industry, I run Q Sketches, Inc. I create art that blends my love for cats, travel, and adventure with my larger-than-life imagination, resulting in giant cats that find themselves in unexpected places inspired by my own interests and hobbies. What I’m most proud of is how Catzilla has grown from a fun idea into a business that resonates with fellow cat lovers worldwide. I never imagined that my passion for illustration would lead me to attend art conventions, participate in creative collaborations, and connect with a wonderfully supportive community.

Ultimately, what sets me apart is my desire to inspire others with creative passions to pursue their dreams and connect with people through my art. Whether through traveling to conventions, sharing my journey on YouTube, or simply selling art online, I always aim to bring a sense of adventure, joy, and authenticity to everything I do.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is staying true to my creativity and using it to connect with others. Art has always been my way of expressing myself and making sense of the world. Whether designing a new character or creating a piece for Catzilla, I pour a lot of passion and energy into it. But beyond that, what matters is how my work can inspire others and bring them joy.

I value building community and fostering connections with people who share similar interests. I want to show others that pursuing their artistic dreams is possible, even when things don’t go according to plan. For me, it’s not just about creating art—it’s about creating moments of joy, inspiration, and understanding,

At the end of the day, it’s the connections and the impact I can have on others that make the hard work worthwhile. It’s why I put so much into my art and my journey: because it’s not just for me, but also for anyone who finds something meaningful in what I create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shopcatzilla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/q_sketches/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qianjiao-ma-09350b61/
• Twitter: https://x.com/qsketches
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@qsketches

Image Credits
Qianjiao Ma