1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
Hi! I'm Cheri Wang. I’ve always been drawn to creative endeavors. Growing up, I explored web design, photography, and scriptwriting in my free time. Among all these hobbies, painting held a special place in my heart.
This passion led me to attend the ArtCenter College of Design, where I graduated with a degree in Entertainment Art. Since then, I’ve been working as a Concept Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, contributing to major theme park attractions worldwide.
2What made you become/why did you choose to become a digital designer/artist?
Film, television, and games have become major forces shaping our aesthetics and values today. I wanted to contribute to the growing art culture and create work that resonates with people and leaves a meaningful impact.
3Tell us more about your business / company, job profile, and what you do.
It’s a truly humbling experience to work as a Concept Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering. Every day is a collaborative effort involving a diverse team of award-winning artists, architects, and producers on global projects.
Our goal is to deliver unforgettable, high-quality theme park experiences. Each project is unique, presenting its own challenges and rewards. My work involves creating detailed concept art for restaurants, shops, landscapes, and marketing visuals.
4What’s your favorite kind of digital design and why?
I’m drawn to designs that balance aesthetics and functionality—whether it’s a piece of clothing, an object, or a space. I believe approaching a design with its intended use or purpose in mind can elevate it from being visually “cool” to truly be “memorable.”
5To you, what makes a “good” design?
To me, a good design isn’t defined by its popularity. Trends come and go; what’s in style today might feel outdated in a few years. However, the core principles of good design—proportion, storytelling, and functionality—remain timeless, regardless of the era.
6Describe your design style and its main characteristics.
My designs are heavily focused on environmental storytelling, with architecture often serving as a driving force behind many design decisions.
7Tell us about your design process.
I begin by writing a piece of speculative history for the space I want to design. This narrative informs my aesthetic choices, giving the design depth and meaning.
8Where do you draw inspiration from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from urban exploration, studying art history, and observing people in their everyday lives.
9What current trends in digital design (or really anything digital related) are you most excited about?
I’m intrigued by the possibility of a resurgence in complex, colorful designs in the fantasy genre, inspired by the recent success of "Wicked".
10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2024 Vega Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
I’m deeply honored to win this award and be featured on the Vega Awards website. It’s reassuring to know my work is appreciated by professional juries.
11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2024 Vega Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The painting I submitted is part of a concept series for a personal film I’m developing. I chose this piece because the presence of blue and the airship’s design evoke a sense of wonder and invitation.
12What was the biggest challenge with this project?
The biggest challenge was refining the design through numerous iterations to achieve a balance between contemporary and fantastical elements.
13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
Being featured on a major platform is not only a testament to my artistic capabilities but also helps attract new clients and opportunities.
14What are your top three (3) favorite things about the digital industry?
1. The digital industry has made art accessible across cultural and language barriers. It’s inspiring to see people from diverse backgrounds engaging with my work and sparking meaningful conversations.
2. Having an online presence enables artists to dedicate themselves fully to personal projects.
3. The rapid evolution of technology has been incredible! Tasks that once required large teams can now be accomplished by a single artist in a fraction of the time.
15What makes your country specifically, unique in the digital industry?
Born and raised in Shanghai, China, my multicultural background gives me a unique artistic voice. I often blend different cultural influences to create distinctive worlds.
16Where do you see the evolution of digital industry going over the next 5-10 years?
I anticipate a rise in small art businesses due to advancements in AI, while large corporations will continue to grow through acquisitions.
17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring Vega Award submitter, what advice would you give them?
Submit your very best work!
18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the digital industry?
Build a strong foundation!
19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
I’m currently working on a personal CG animated film, which I hope to release in one or two years.
20Who has inspired you in your life and why?
The works of late 19th-century artists, architects, and fashion designers make my heart race.
21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
Expand your knowledge as a designer by learning from the old masters. Study their backgrounds and explore their writings, even if they aren’t directly related to art. This accumulated knowledge will help you develop a unique voice.
