Meet Mingway Lee

We were lucky to catch up with Mingway Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mingway, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I initially developed my self-esteem and confidence by adopting a “fake it till you make it” approach. I focused on refining my voice and checking off the typical “social skills” boxes. Over time, through engaging with people, I discovered what I excel at and what sets me apart—like the bold, unconventional nature of my artwork and my talent for mastering different languages. My confidence grew as I embraced and showcased these strengths. Most importantly, surrounding myself with people who understand and support my mindset and inner world has been essential. Their affirmation and encouragement have played a big role in reinforcing my belief in myself.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

The most important factor behind my brand’s success is the spirit of freedom. This means stepping beyond what is familiar, embracing diverse cultures, and allowing creativity to flow without limits. While traveling in Mexico, I visited a Mayan culture museum and encountered the work of an artist deeply inspired by ancient Mayan traditions. This experience sparked an idea: to create a short animated film about a young Mayan girl who falls into a mysterious world within a painting. Though I grew up in China and knew little about the Mayan culture, that curiosity drove me to learn more. I reached out to the Mexican artist, and to this day, we stay in touch. When I shared my film with her, she was delighted to see her culture inspiring new stories and even shared her latest artworks with me.

Similarly, during an exchange at NYU Abu Dhabi, I collaborated with two Kazakh girls to create a fictional film exploring domestic violence, an issue of great importance in their country. The essence of my brand lies in this freedom to explore, embrace, and intertwine different cultures, letting imagination run wild and transforming impossible ideas into reality.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were adaptability, creative boldness, and building a supportive network. Adaptability helped me navigate unfamiliar situations and discover my strengths, like my language skills and the unique touch I bring to my art. Creative boldness allowed me to explore “craziness” in my work without fear, embracing new ideas and unconventional approaches. Finally, surrounding myself with supportive people who understood my mindset and inner world was crucial; their encouragement boosted my confidence and helped me stay true to my vision.

For those starting their journey, my advice is to embrace adaptability by trying new things and stepping outside your comfort zone. This will help you uncover your unique strengths. Be bold and fearless in expressing your creativity—don’t be afraid of standing out or trying what might seem unusual. Lastly, seek out a community of people who inspire, understand, and support you. Their feedback and positive reinforcement will be invaluable as you grow and build your confidence.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

It might sound cliché, but *Harry Potter* played a significant role in my development. One of the most valuable lessons I took from it was the power of literature to create a safe, immersive space. As a child, I would mentally escape to that magical world whenever reality felt overwhelming or unsafe. This taught me how deeply art and storytelling could impact someone’s emotional well-being.

As I grew older, I realized that it becomes harder to find books, films, or artworks that provide that kind of refuge; instead, many works reveal the harsher sides of life. Despite moving away from children’s books, they still serve as a reminder of what storytelling can and should do—create a sanctuary for those who need it. This realization sparked my interest in storytelling and shaped my belief that art should offer comfort and a sense of safety to those facing challenges. It inspired me to create work that offers others that same haven of solace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://creativebleed.com/home
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16367652/