Life & Work with Ant Qiu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ant Qiu.

Hi Ant, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a character designer and illustrator based in LA! I recently graduated with a BFA in illustration from RISD. I’m currently a concept art apprentice with the BRIC Foundation and am interning at Wild Blue Studios. Earlier in the year, I worked as a character designer on an unannounced show at Titmouse. I’ve recently started tabling at Artist Alleys and have started an online shop as well! I’ve spent the past few years trying to figure out my identity as an artist, and while it’s an ongoing process, working in the industry as well as managing freelance and independent pursuits have helped me to solidify my artistic goals.

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?
It’s been a challenge navigating the industry as a fresh college graduate. The school I attended, RISD, doesn’t have many resources geared toward working in games and animation, especially compared to art schools on the West Coast. I mostly had to rely on peers, online communities, and myself to prepare myself for the realities of working an industry job as part of a pipeline.

I’ve also faced struggles in terms of mental health and motivation. It’s no secret that the industry is in a tumultuous state these days, which can feel daunting for someone still taking their first steps in. Some days, it feels draining even to just pick up a pencil and draw. A piece of advice from a mentor that I’ve really valued has been simply to keep “showing up to the arena.” The meaning can vary from person to person, but it’s a reminder to myself to keep putting in the work and persevering and to know that opportunities will eventually come if you work for them.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in character design! I’m influenced by fantasy, action-adventure, and anime styles and often incorporate elements of Chinese culture and mythology into my work. I enjoy creating characters that reflect queer sensibilities and narratives. Growing up in Arcadia, I was always surrounded by Chinese culture and food, and am proud of my identity, so I actively carry that into my work. I’m also greatly inspired by nature and love learning about biology and ecological relationships. Nature is endlessly fascinating and never fails to capture my attention!

Outside of character design, I enjoy creating fan art of the games and anime that inspire me! At the moment, my favorites are Tears of the Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3. I’m happy to share my work and find community in common interests, which is something that I’m able to do at conventions and artist alleys. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other artists and reconnect with mutuals. One of my proudest accomplishments of the past year has probably been to enter the artist alley scene and make merch from my illustrations.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m very easily distracted and have trouble getting into “the zone,” but background white noise helps me focus. Usually, a mix of video games Lofi, and mynoise.net does the trick. If that doesn’t do it, I have a dedicated playlist of comfort songs that are guaranteed to turn my brain off while I work, which is also effective for house errands and boring car drives!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toodlingart/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/toodlingart
• Other: https://toodlingart.carrd.co/