Interview with Icy Qiao
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
I’ve always been a quiet kid who loved drawing, but it wasn’t until high school that I truly committed to art. I used to be the “good student”—high grades, well-behaved—but I always felt something was off. School was all about memorizing and obeying, and when I asked my classmates what they wanted for their future, most had no real answer. That realization scared me. I didn’t want to just follow the script—I wanted to think, explore, and express myself. Art became my way to do that, a way to connect with the world and make sense of the contradictions and conflicts I saw around me. So, I stepped away from the “good student” mold and chose a path where I could truly be myself.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
My day starts with recalling my dreams. By analyzing them, I can better assess my recent mental state and uncover subconscious life themes. I’m currently a freelance animator, working on outsourced projects for films, TV, and commercial ads both domestically and internationally. During the day, I focus on animation work, and in the evening, I set aside time for my personal creative projects and self-reflection. My professional work helps me refine my skills, allowing me to apply more technical expertise in my creative practice.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
My work often starts from personal experiences. A teacher once told me that we can’t truly replicate other people’s stories because we haven’t walked their path—authentic works always stem from the artist’s own life. I use my experiences and perspectives to explore themes, integrating social psychology and philosophy to drive my projects forward. My work often relates to social issues, the societal and familial structures in East Asia, dreams, the distortion of memories, and trauma.
As for inspiration, beyond drawing from my own experiences, I keep an "inspiration memo" on my phone, where I record fleeting ideas that come to me when I’m daydreaming, reading, or struggling to sleep. Interestingly, these fragments often have subtle connections. Whenever I start a new project, I revisit my memo, which helps generate new ideas.
4. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
I’ve loved drawing since I was a child, and now I see art as a language—an integral part of my daily life and a way to connect with others. I enjoy inviting my artist friends over for creative sessions where we spend the whole day drawing or creating in silence, without needing to speak. I love the natural flow and relaxation of these moments. There's no language barrier—just an exchange of emotions through our art.
5. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?
Balancing art and commercial work, as well as survival and creativity, is an ongoing challenge for artists. I don’t have a perfect solution yet—I’m still figuring it out. I once worked full-time at an animation studio, thinking that a stable schedule and income would give me enough free time to create. But over time, I realized that the industry’s tight deadlines and high pressure drained my energy. Even when I technically had time after work, I was often too exhausted to create. Eventually, I returned to freelancing, which allows me to manage my energy and time more effectively.
6. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
One of my most cherished experiences was studying at the Royal College of Art. I met so many warm, talented artists, and we remain close friends, constantly encouraging and supporting each other. Watching their growth and achievements inspires me to keep creating.
7. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
Once you have an idea, act on it—don’t let perfectionism hold you back. If an idea stays in your mind but never materializes, it won’t improve. Start creating, refine as you go, and trust in yourself. Believe in your work, and don’t let external noise make you question its value. Your work has value because it comes from you.
8. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
Sometimes, but not always. Deep creative work often requires solitude—cutting out distractions and diving into your thoughts. It’s a process of constant self-questioning: Why this theme? Why this approach? But once I’m ready, I seek external feedback. I share my work with friends, gaining fresh perspectives that help refine it. This exchange keeps me from feeling lonely—it turns creation into a dialogue rather than an isolated experience.
9. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
Right now, I’m working on a commercial film project set to premiere in China this summer. At the same time, I have some personal artistic projects in mind. During my time at RCA, I explored projection mapping combined with fabric sculptures and immersive storytelling, and I might continue developing new work in that direction.
Website: https://icyqiao.cargo.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icyspig/