Fee Brandt shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Fee, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is spent about 70% in my art studio.
I’m currently pursuing an MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay at the School of Visual Arts. I wake up at 7 a.m., walk my dog, and head to school. After half a day of classes, I stay in the studio working on school projects and commissions until midnight. Then I bike home. Riding through the city in the quiet night has become my time to decompress and reset. When I get home, I cuddle with my dog.
On weekends, I take my dog to the dog park. While she plays, I sketch all the dogs in a tiny notebook. Afterwards, I usually head back to the studio again. (In fact, I’m writing this from the studio right now.) I’m always working on something there.
Having a workspace outside my extremely comfortable home really motivates me and helps me stay focused and efficient. Right now, I’m also learning to find a better work-life balance.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a children’s book author–illustrator based in New York and Shanghai. My story is a colorful blend of cultures and artistic experiences. I was born a German citizen in France, raised in China, and I draw inspiration from all the different places and contexts that have shaped me. My background spans watercolor painting, character design, and storyboarding, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients such as Cartoon Network and Food Network.
I hold a BFA in Integrated Design from Parsons School of Design, and I will begin my MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay at the School of Visual Arts in fall 2025. My first picture book in Chinese, which I illustrated, will be published by Juvenile & Children’s Publishing House in 2026
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would say my family. Everyone in my family is an artist, so any gathering naturally turns into an art critique or a passionate creative debate. They’ve always given me endless support and make me want to be better. From their point of view, they could already see my love for storytelling, character design, and children’s literature long before I recognized it myself. But they never interfered; they let me go through the rollercoaster of figuring out what I wanted to do. That process was necessary, and it had to happen naturally. Without being lost, nothing can truly be found. I’m very thankful for them.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I have decided to embrace my own voice in writing, which is essential as an author-illustrator.
Because of my bilingual background, I’ve often felt unconfident in my written expression. I am fluent in both Chinese and English, but in neither language was I ever an academically strong writer. What’s interesting is that each language carries its own personality: in Chinese, my writing is more childlike, funny, grounded, and logical; in English, it is more romantic, poetic, and emotional.
I’ve realized that writing authentically means being comfortable with myself. For me, this involves drafting in a mixture of both languages. My drafts usually require a lot of decoding as I capture the trail of my thoughts in whichever language they arise. Writing in my voice means writing the way I speak and think, in a space that feels self-accepting and natural.
Instead of seeing my bilingualism as a flaw, I’ve learned to view it as a unique strength. No one can write like this except me. This doesn’t mean ignoring grammatical or structural flaws; it means improving my writing techniques while still honoring my authentic voice. What’s magical is that my voice will continue to evolve. As I gain more multicultural experiences in the world, it will only grow richer. My written voice is the witness of my growth.
I see storytelling as one of the most valuable aspects of my creative talent, so the form that carries the story, whether text or visuals, must unmistakably be Fée.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would probably say “magic.” Not in the sense of magic tricks, but in the way I care about capturing the whims and wonders of life. I believe this can be expressed through storytelling. My name is Fée, which means fairy, and a friend once told me, “You are a fairy, and you tell tales; it all makes sense.” I really loved hearing that.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop letting fear and perfectionism hold me back immediately. I would dive straight into my personal passion projects and pursue my dream collaborations, and publish lots and lots of quality work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.feebrandt.com/
- Instagram: @feeb_story
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fee-brandt
- Other: Red Note: 青苹果 Fée Brandt
Image Credits
Photos with me in them were both taken by Hai Han.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
