- What is your name / organization / title?
Tracie Ching
- What motivated you to become a maker?
If you mean in general, I don't think I'll ever know. My sketchbooks predated my earliest memories. Making was just part of my programming.
If you mean in this specific field, I wanted to be able to hold down a job AND raise my kids without the cost and separation of daycare. To do that, I would need to call the shots and as a creative there are few options other than freelancing. As for pop culture illustration, it was the thing I was most interested in personally. - Looking back on the early stages of your journey, what advice would you give yourself now?
You're right. Keep going... but maybe make more time for your friends.
- What is your favorite thing you’ve ever made? Why?
I mean... my kids... Making tiny humans is by far the coolest thing I'll ever do. But if you're not counting multimedia creations, my Thor Ragnarok foil print for Marvel is my favorite, followed closely by my Snake Eyes packaging for Hasbro.
- What’s the next evolution for you (or your industry) going to look like?
I would like to bring digital illustration to more places. Integrate into arenas where digital drawing is still viewed as lesser.
- Who would you partner with (living or dead) for your dream collaboration? And what would you work on together?
Andy Warhol. Albrect Durer. Either separately or together.
I also wish I could have illustrated a poster for Princess Kaʻiulani. Doubt it would have changed anything, but I wish the last royal family of Hawai'i had a better PR campaign. - You're on death row and it's time for your final meal. What'll ya have?
Pint of Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter World and Kirkland's All American Chocolate Cake (the whole thing, not of this single slice nonsense). I should die as I lived...
- In a world where you have two hands, all of your pets and loved ones are safe, and your studio is on fire, what do you try to save?
Everything can burn. Other than myself, anything in there is replaceable.
- What is one piece of pop culture (movie, tv, artwork, song, etc.) that no matter how many times you return to it you still draw excitement, movement, or inspiration?
The Snowman (1982)
- I love useless facts. Impress me with a seriously useless fact!
I will not drink a soda if it doesn't have ice.
- If you could try any profession other than your own, what would you choose to do?
Geologist
- What is your personal strategy/philosophy when it comes to using social media for your work?
Be as real and as honest as possible. Despite what Mortal Kombat taught us, flawless victory is a lie - one I don't want to peddle.
- Speaking of social media, where can people find you?
www.tracieching.com, @tracieching
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